Nigerian President Buhari Highlights Importance of Youth and Democracy in Commonwealth Speech

President

In his speech at the Commonwealth Leaders Event, the Nigerian President expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the distinguished leaders of the Commonwealth, including His Majesty King Charles III, ahead of his coronation. He also acknowledged that this would be his last official engagement with the King and other leaders of the Commonwealth as he leaves office on 29 May 2023.

The President highlighted that 70% of Nigeria's estimated 220 million population are young people under the age of thirty, and they are vibrant and engaged in various professions such as Information Technology, Small and Medium Enterprises, Agriculture, Transportation, Sports, and other vocations. He mentioned the Ministry of Youths Development at the federal level and the thirty-six states of the Federation responsible for the education of young people across the country.

The President commended the Commonwealth for sending an election observation team led by former President of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, to observe Nigeria's recent general elections, which were credible and peaceful. He also highlighted that elections are not just an event but part of a process of enthroning leadership in a democratic setting.

The President emphasized that the Commonwealth stands for democracy, good governance, rule of law, and human rights, and these values must be fully enshrined and put into practice. He called for the Commonwealth family to work collectively to address the challenges facing the world and create a better world for their people.

The President thanked the Commonwealth and its leadership for their unwavering support to Nigeria, especially during his tenure. He expressed pride in leaving a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria and requested continuous support for Nigeria, particularly the incoming administration, to enable continuity and sustainable development of the country.

The Nigerian President used the opportunity of his speech to the Commonwealth Leaders Event to showcase Nigeria's youthful population and highlight the importance of democracy, good governance, rule of law, and human rights. He also expressed gratitude for the Commonwealth's support to Nigeria and called for continuous support to enable continuity and sustainable development.