Date: 2019-07-07

The Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu has called on Nigerian youth to see themselves more as Nigerians, rather than prioritizing their ethnic or religious affinity for the country to progress.

According to a statement made available by his Media aide, Ibrahim Sheriff, Hon. Danladi made this call during the Kwara NYSC Batch B, stream 1 carnival, where he alongside other Honourable members visited the Yikpata orientation camp, in Edu local government area of Kwara State.

The lecturer turned politician charged the Corps members on unity, he said "Nigeria needs unity now more than ever, we must deemphasize our sociocultural and religious inclinations and see ourselves as Nigerians if we must progress. We must be ready to take charge of the future and to do that, we must be detribalized".

Describing Kwara as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria, the Speaker encouraged Corps members posted to rural areas in the State where services are more required to stay and serve diligently, assuring them of their safety and guaranteed welfare.

Hon. Yakubu who was conducted round the NYSC camp by the State Director, Mrs. Tosin Ikupolati, lamented the condition of the camp as not encouraging, but promised things will change under this new administration.

The Speaker also charged the Corps members on political participation, he said "the assertion that politics is a dirty game is null, we can all play our politics differently and in a sane manner, if we don't take up leadership positions as young people, we cannot see the change we want. I have never engaged in any dirty act before I became what I am today".

Inspiring the youths, he said "I never thought of becoming a Speaker, I only aspired to be a Honourable Member. "I commend my colleagues who conceded unanimously for me. If I can be fortunate to attain this feet, you all can. I concluded my NYSC very recently".

The State NYSC Director, Mrs Tosin Ikupolati, who was commended by the Rt. Hon. Speaker for her tireless efforts towards making the camp better, appreciates the Speaker's presence at the event despite his very tight schedule.