The Ohanaeze Youth Wing on Thursday demanded a categorical statement about 2023 Igbo Presidency from President Muhammadu Buhari and also sought the creation of an additional state in the South East geopolitical zone.
The youths made the demands during a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the group, leader of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, Kingsley Dozie Lawrence, hailed Buhari’s “positive impact” in the South East, but said that a lot still needed to be done.
Lawrence lauded Buhari for stabilising the economy, improving security during the Christmas season and sustaining the development of infrastructure, particularly the Second Niger Bridge.
He said, “We, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, are partners-in-progress in the Nigerian project and will extend hands of partnership to any administration that guarantees the interest and welfare of Ndigbo.
“There’s no gainsaying the fact that President Buhari’s administration has impacted the Igbo in some positive ways, but there are still areas the Igbo need more impacts.”
Responding, Buhari appealed to the youths to prepare to take over from his generation, as it will eventually quit the stage.
“Youths are very virile and active. A greater part of the Nigerian population is made up of youths. They must always be a factor at all times. Youths must begin to groom themselves for the leadership of Nigeria. I said this to the leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students yesterday (Thursday) – sooner than later we will leave the stage and you will takeover. You have to equip yourselves properly,” Buhari said.
The president also appreciated the youths for recognising his administration’s efforts in infrastructural development across the nation.
Buhari said, “I am glad you appreciate government’s efforts. That is why we are here to make a difference in the lives of Nigerians and on infrastructure, We will ensure that the resources of Nigeria work for Nigerians.”
The president also reacted to the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), saying that “good reason will prevail”.