FORMER Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki has emphasised the need for Nigeria to urgently address its numerous problems, particularly corruption.

He lamented the high rate of unemployment in the country and called for the inauguration of a frontal attack on corruption and unemployment.

The Senator spoke at an event organised by the Kwara Elders Forum for its retired members and the newly promoted professors and associate professors in Ilorin on Sunday.

Saraki said, "Today, Nigerians are at the crossroads. It takes very hard decisions, difficult and inevitable and a leadership that is committed. We must learn to take hard but carefully-thought out decisions to reverse our fortunes."

He added that the fight against corruption should be stepped up, saying offenders should be severely punished regardless of their social standing.

He said, "We all saw what I called the January awakening. The January awakening in Nigeria was what we saw in the opposition of Nigerians to the removal of fuel subsidy. I believe it was a turning point in the patience of Nigerians in the politics of this country and government.

"It also shows the interest and the role the youth will continue to play in the governance of this country. There is no country today that truly wants to reform that will not have to ask: Where is the role of the youth in the society?"

According to him, there must be a well-articulated plan and systematic effort to harness and develop the potential of the youth.

Saraki said, "Rule of law is like a mere statement of the desideratum, but law and order is putting rule of law into action, making people pay for the infraction of the law no matter their situation in life! Many Nigerians have said that all we need to actualise 20:2020 is constant power."