Ex-presidents Kibaki, Kufuor tell youth on persuasion

Aug 05, 2013

Former Presidents of Kenya Mwai Kibaki and of Ghana John Kufuor have advised the youth to have a persuasive language.

By Francis Emorut

KAMPALA - Former Presidents of Kenya Mwai Kibaki and of Ghana John Kufuor have advised the youth to have a persuasive language that will attract others to join them to develop and transform the economy of the country.

The two were attending a dinner hosted by Makerere University convocation office, Democratic Governance Facility, Kondrad Adenauer Stiftung and Uganda Youth Network at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala on Friday.

“Try to persuade people and look for those who are willing to join you to build the country,” Kibaki advised.

“Be determined and work hard to build your country if it is roads put your heart there.”

Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta’s immediate predecessor warned the youth not to get involved in projects for the sake of earning money, but to put their nation first.

“The biggest constraint in Africa is people who want to collect money quickly. There is no such thing that there will be enough money if you are not willing to persist in building your nation,” he said.

Kibaki urged the youth to get involved in tackling problems that are affecting the people for that is when they are able to attract a critical mass that believes in them.

On his part, former Ghanaian leader Kufuor advised the youth to critically examine the situation they find themselves in and “analyze or assess it and come up with a solution” on what they can do about it.

He told them to get involved in nation-building at an early age, citing his involvement in Ghanaian politics when he was in his 20s.

The two former heads of state were given gifts for their distinguished leadership of serving their nations.

Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi agreed with the former presidents and advised the youth to have a dream and be focused on what they want to achieve.

“Keep your eyes open when you are dreaming and avoid those dreams at night when you find yourself with all sorts of things,” he said.

The PM praised the two leaders for distinguished leadership in serving their countries while still presidents.