The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerian youth to take the lead in shaping the country’s future, stressing that patriotism must translate into concrete action.
Speaking in a statement to mark International Youth Day 2025, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary for Conventional Media, Hon. Jackie Waayas, described young people as “the heartbeat of the nation” whose innovation, resilience, and vision are essential to Nigeria’s progress.
“True patriotism goes beyond sentiment, it means waking up each day determined to make Nigeria better than it was yesterday,” Waayas said.
“It is seen in service, responsibility, the pursuit of justice, unity, and the relentless work of building our country.”
She urged youths to actively engage in politics, participate in public discourse, and hold leaders accountable, noting that their voices, votes, and leadership are vital to the nation’s democratic and economic growth.
According to Waayas, the ADC believes that when Nigerian youth adopt patriotism as a way of life, the country can overcome its challenges and create a society where dignity, equal opportunity, and national pride thrive.
She further appealed to all Nigerians to support young people through mentorship and opportunities for their ideas to flourish, saying this collaboration would help realise a shared vision for the country.
International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12 to celebrate the role of young people in driving social, political, and economic change worldwide.