The leadership of young students in Nigeria was recently highlighted by the President of NANS, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, who led several Nigerian students on a solidarity march in Abuja. Commending the Federal Government for the establishment of the student loan scheme and the donation of CNG buses to students to facilitate movement to Nigerian campuses, Emonefe underscored her support for the government and expressed prayers for the success of Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Recalling the significance of Independence Day, Emonefe highlighted the struggles and sacrifices of Nigeria’s forefathers who fought against colonialism. He stressed that while the country has come a long way, there is still a long way to go and it is critical that citizens rally around their leaders and their country.
Emonefe regretted that many Nigerians take their independence and the existence of their country for granted, forgetting the brutal and unforgiving life their grandfathers lived under colonialism. He stressed the importance of supporting leaders even when one does not agree with their policies because their failure is collective.
Determined to promote patriotism among students, the future leaders of the country, the national leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is planning a nationwide campaign to this effect. Emonefe quoted former American President and sage, John F. Kennedy, as saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
These events are meant to express pride in our country, thank God for our survival despite challenges and celebrate the strides we have made. It is also a declaration that we, Nigerian students, will not associate with those who harbor ill intentions towards our country. We cannot be deceived into setting fire to our house under any pretext whatsoever.”