Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the last general election, has urged youths to remain steadfast, positive and hopeful for the coming of a new Nigeria that will be anchored on youth development and productivity.

Obi is of the view that the current political confusion and economic challenges in the nation should not discourage youths, but motivate them to remain committed and resolute in the struggle for a new and better country.

His statement is coming on the heels of the International Youth Day celebration.

In a statement via his social media platform on Saturday, the former Anambra State governor urged youths to remain resilient and persevere against every hardship and obstacle on our journey to a new nation.

He further maintained that many of the nation’s challenges would be overcome if leaders pay attention to youth development and productivity.

“On this day that the global community celebrates the youths, known as to mark World Youth Day, I urge Nigerian youths to remain steadfast, positive and hopeful for the coming of a New Nigeria that will be anchored on youth development and productivity.

“The current political confusion and economic challenges in our nation should not discourage our youths, but instead, motivate them to remain committed and resolute in the struggle for a new and better Nigeria.

“Unless we remain committed to the struggle for a better nation, we will not be able to achieve the New Nigeria of our dreams. We must remain resilient and persevere against every hardship and obstacle on our journey to a new nation.

“As I have always maintained, many of the nation’s challenges will be overcome if the leaders pay attention to youth development and productivity. The high level of insecurity and the social vices associated with youths, like drug and other substance abuse, as well as the high inflation rate in the country, as well as the high unemployment rate among the youthful population in their productive ages, will whittled down if we build a better economy, with our youth productively engaged.

“According to reports, Nigeria tops in the ranking of countries with the highest rate of unemployment in the world, with a 33.3% unemployment rate. And further findings show that Nigeria’s unemployment rate would further rise to 40.6%, showing that more than half of the population in their productive age are not working. As a result, the nation will continue to stagger under the weight of many economic and social challenges.

“By providing a conducive economic environment and supporting the growth of small businesses in the country, the nation will rise above many of its challenges. I remain committed to building a New Nigeria anchored on youth development because their energy, skills, and potentials are critical ingredients needed to move our nation from consumption to production.

“A greater, better Nigeria is POssible,” he wrote.