Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerian youths to rise above despair and take ownership of the country’s future, insisting they cannot remain spectators in the nation’s history.

Atiku delivered the charge on Monday during the 28th anniversary memorial of Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, the late chief of staff and influential political figure whom he described as a “mentor, brother-in-arms and moral compass”.

He said Yar’Adua’s ideals of justice, equity and national unity remain relevant to Nigeria’s democratic journey, adding that the younger generation must embrace those values as the country faces widening divisions and economic strain.

“Twenty-eight years have passed since Shehu left us, yet I feel his presence in the rhythm of our political discourse and in the heart of every Nigerian who believes in justice and in the promise of this country,” he said.

Speaking on the theme ‘The Union We Hope to Become’, Atiku noted that high unemployment, insecurity, and growing disillusionment have pushed many young people toward bitterness. But he urged them not to give up on the country or on one another.

“Our youths must understand that our nation stands again at a critical turning point. Some have lost patience and many have lost trust,” he said. “Yet Shehu’s message to you all is: do not give up on your country.”

The former vice-president stressed that transparent governance, meritocracy and empathy should guide the path to national renewal. He argued that the responsibility to complete the struggle for a just, united Nigeria rests squarely on the shoulders of the younger generation.

“To every young Nigerian listening today, let me say this: you are not powerless. You cannot be spectators in your own nation’s story. You must be the authors, the dreamers, the doers and the builders of a new Nigeria,” he said.

Atiku called for healing through dialogue rather than anger, saying Nigeria’s diversity must be treated as an asset rather than a burden.

“Our youths must become the generation that dared to finish what others began. You have to prove that the union Shehu hoped for can indeed be the union we become,” he added.