72nd birthday: Nigeria’s present situation is for the youth — APC Chieftain
Dr Tola Kasali, a 72-year-old Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appeal to Nigerian youths to take over the political scene for the future of the country.
Kasali, a former Commissioner for Rural Development (2003 to 2006) and Special Duties in Lagos State (2007 to 2011) made this remark on Friday, June 7, 2024 at the occasion to mark his 72nd birthday celebration in Lagos.
The surprise birthday party was organised for the APC Chieftain by the Joint National Transport Safety Committee of Nigeria, Lagos state Taskforce led by Alhaji Mukaila Moruf (aka Sanwo-Ayalu).
Speaking, Kasali, who commended President Bola Tinubu for spotlighting and injecting some youths into his cabinet, said that the current Nigeria’s challenges were for the youths to resolve.
Urging Nigerian young politicians to be focused and prioritise service to their people, state and the country, Kasali advised the youth to take over political scene.
Kasali said: “They say the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, it is no more true again. The youth should take over now.
“When you consider the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and look at some youths like the Interior Minister, he is a young person and he is doing fantastically well.
“These are the kind of people that we need to continue to serve this nation. Our youths have a lot of experience, knowledge, strength and intelligence.
“As a result, we need to to direct them to be focus. We should make use of them for the future of this country.
“So, it is no more the future, present situation is for the youth.
“I am praying that our youths will continue to play well in the political scene of this country and God will always be with them, direct and make use of them for the betterment of this country.”
He urged young politicians to always do the right thing and remain contented.
“When you serve the people, your state and the country, do not do it because you are looking for something, but for the sake of the people, the state and the country.
“The country belongs to all of us, the youth should take over now,” the celebrant said.
The politician said that he was happy and felt fulfilled having served the people and the state with all his youthful vigour and strength.
“Today is my birthday and I am very happy. I am 72 today and I thank God for it. I don’t put anything in my mind, I have paid my dues in Lagos State.
“I have served Lagos State with all my conscience, capacity and strength and I am thankful to God that I am where I am today, very happy and satisfied,” Kasali said.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Alhaji Mukaila Moruf, the Lagos State Chairman of the Joint National Transport Safety Committee, described Kasali as a role model and a lover of the people.
Moruf said: “We are celebrating our leader at his 72 birthday. He is the Apex leader of APC in Ibeju-Lekki.
“He (Kasali) has done so many wonders for us. He has done a lot in promoting Ibeju-Lekki and lifting up the council’s image.
“Both young and old can attest to his good work. May God grant him many more years.”
Also applauding Kasali, a young aspiring politician, Mr Oluwole Omikunle, said that the former commissioner had affected lives of many people including himself.
Omikunle, an entrepreneur and key member of APC at Ward E in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) said that Kasali would remain a guide to many young politicians.
He prayed God to grant Kasali many more decades in good health and peace of mind.
The event was attended by some politicians, friends and family of the former commissioner.
