We must encourage new generation to take over – IBB

Former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, yesterday, said that the old generation politicians have overstayed in the corridors of power and should pave the way for the younger ones to steer the ship of the state aright.

The former leader made the observation when a new political movement, the New Nigeria, led by its leader, Moses Siloko Siasia, visited him at his Hilltop Residence in Minna.

IBB said he and other like-minds proposed as far as back as 1989 the possibility of handing over the country’s leadership to younger people who had the passion and zeal to propel it on the path of development and growth, but alleged that the older generation was reluctant at the time.

He said history had shown that a nation’s development fulcrum progressed better in the hands of younger generation, saying the youths were more adventurous and full of fresh ideas.

Citing the example of former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, IBB said at 31, Gowon did well in keeping the country together and developing its infrastructure some of which were visible up till today, adding that “some of us assumed leadership at a very young age.”

According to him, “The older generation must give way for the new one. We have become analogue but this is a digital age; so the young people should be supported to use their digital knowledge to move the country forward,” he averred.