by Oge Okonkwo

Following the recent de-registration of all youth groups affiliated to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a new group of young intellectuals under the aegis of – Rethink Nigeria is organizing itself to help re-invigorate the vision of the party as it affects the Nigerian youth.

The group whose membership model is based on the principle of volunteerism, paid a courtesy visit to the National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Abdullahi Maibasira on Monday 17th of February 2014. The Rethink Nigeria group expressed its happiness with the new leadership direction that the National Youth Leader was giving to the youths of the party.

According to the Convening Volunteer of the group Ohimai Godwin Amaize, “our major aim is to harness the mental strength of the Nigerian youth and use it as a weapon of socio-political re-engineering, political engagement and participation.” He also noted that Rethink Nigeria would help project and showcase the very best of PDP as it concerns young people in politics and governance. Citing the example of the youngest Minister in the Federal Executive Council, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, the youngest Speaker of a State House of Assembly in Nigeria, Inuwa Garba of Gombe State among others, he said that the PDP, more than any other political party in Nigeria has given more opportunities in politics and public service to young Nigerians.

On his part, the Deputy Convening Volunteer of Rethink Nigeria, Umar Shehu observed that “It is a historic opportunity in our nation’s history that we have a youth about the age of 30 chosen as National Youth Leader of the ruling party.” He then urged the Nigerian youth to leverage on this development as an opportunity to further participate and engage the political system. He assured the National Youth Leader that Rethink Nigeria would work closely with his office to ensure that the Nigerian youth feels the impact of true youth leadership in the PDP.

Volunteer Secretary of the group, Tony Ehilebo, noted with worry, the increasing representation of the Nigerian youth in crime, drugs and other social vices. “It is time we transform the mind of the Nigerian youth and unlock its creative potential”, he said.

In his response, the National Youth Leader of PDP commended the group for the initiative and assured them that his doors and that of the PDP will always be open to all well-meaning youth associations in Nigeria who genuinely seek to improve the situation of the Nigerian Youth through political engagement and participation. He also warned them against disunity and deviation from their core purpose and mandate, which he admires while agreeing that there is an urgent need to Rethink Nigeria through the eyes and minds of the Nigerian youth.

Other volunteer leaders of Rethink Nigeria present at the courtesy call include, Debie Mangut, Afegbochu Ugwi, Paschal Metuh, Sunny Okoro, Emmanuel Njoku and Uche Chuta.