Nigerian Ace footballer Mikel Obi stressed the need for youth leadership in Nigeria during a courtesy visit to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Sunday in Abuja.
Obi said it was time for young people to step out and take leadership positions on all boards for the betterment of Nigeria.
He pledged to support Bello’s political aspirations, adding that young people should have a chance to achieve the change Nigerians are calling for.
He also praised Bello for his achievements at Kogi in the areas of security, healthcare, infrastructure, education and agriculture.
The soccer star noted that such efforts, when impacted at a higher level, would bring further development to Nigeria.
“It is an honor for me to finally meet His Excellency personally after all the good things I have heard and read about him not only by the people of Kogi State, but also by the Nigerians.
“My main goal is to come here to show him my appreciation and thank him for everything he has done for the people and also to support them in any future political positions they wish to occupy.
“I would like to be there to support him, to be there by his side throughout this trip so that he achieves whatever he wants, which is for the betterment of Nigeria,” he said. declared.
Obi said he hoped he and Yahaya could work together as a team to be successful.
“What better person than him to lead young people, because he has done all these good works and that is why I am here to see how I can get in.
“To bring young people together to know and see how we can make things better for our country and how we can align to achieve all of this,” Obi said.
In response, Bello thanked Obi for his visit and his promise to support the Youth Leadership Course.
He reiterated that it was time for young people to seize the opportunity that presented itself.
He thanked the footballer ace for praising his efforts in the state, noting that the safety and well-being of his people and Nigerians remained his priority.
The governor noted that when there was political stability in a country, economic prosperity and development would be achieved.
He urged Obi to use his voice and platform to advocate and call on young people to fight for leadership in order to change existing narratives to reflect current realities.
“We can always step out of our comfort zone to support each other.
“If we don’t take charge we’ll blame ourselves tomorrow. The opportunity has presented itself and it is now, not a second later.
“So you’re going to fit in with us, not just as a superstar, Mikel Obi, but as someone who will be in tune with what’s going on politically with us.
“In the western world, because they have political stability, that’s why there is safety and security,” the governor said.
Bello said that because there was security outside the country, the economy was stable, which is why everyone was rushing there.
“We might as well do the same. First economic stability which will guarantee security and safety, then everything else will follow.
“Even if it’s just talking, you have millions of followers, our achievements are online where you can click, take your time to browse.
“When you go through there, send it through your social media credentials and tell your advocates and let them see it,” Bello said.
