Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria, has counselled young people not to support those who will ruin their future.
In addition, Obasanjo exhorted them to change the narrative by getting involved in all socioeconomic and political endeavours.
According to a statement from a spokesperson, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president gave a speech at a mentorship retreat hosted by the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library’s (OOPL) Youth Development Centre.
He said in most parts of Africa, there are visible barriers that are affecting the actualization of the latent potential of the youth.
The one-time Head of State charged young citizens never to allow another person to determine or shape their space in society.
Obasanjo said if youths can be desperate enough to trek through the desert to get menial jobs in Europe, that energy and spirit should be channelled to eradicate physical and mental barriers.
“I am challenging you as young Africans to engage in activities that would change the African narrative.
“Participate in socio-economic and political activities that guarantee a better future for you and don’t allow those who are messing up your future to succeed”, he added.