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LAGOS – Hamzat Lawal, a renowned activist and Chief Executive of Connected Development (CODE), has described Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser (NSA), as an inspiration to Nigerian youths.
In a statement released on Monday, February 24, 2025, in Abuja, Lawal commended Ribadu’s “enduring influence on Nigeria’s youth and his commitment to national service.”
Lawal recalled his initial exposure to Ribadu’s inspiring message in 2010, prompted by a recommendation from Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai’s Facebook post, quoted by Lawal, stated: “In an age when elders are telling youths that they are incapable of leading and are not well educated, it is refreshing to listen to Nuhu Ribadu’s message of hope. Please watch this and pass it on. Nigerian youths need to hear this message of encouragement… Nasir.”
“As I looked at him, I saw myself soaring above the confines of the environmental sector,” Lawal stated.
He said Ribadu transitioned from a global citizen focused on environmental issues to a Nigerian citizen eager to contribute to his country’s progress, ultimately embracing the role of a “youth leader.”
Lawal identified Ribadu as his mentor, saying, “That was the beginning of my relationship with Ribadu. When we eventually met some years later, I was psychologically prepped for impact.”
He stated that Ribadu guided him to a successful career and inspired him to create his flagship project, Follow The Money.
“A leader who seemed to know exactly what he wanted. A citizen who had a clear vision for a very long time in his life. He understood the problems confronting his country.
“He knew that the reforms citizens yearned for would never come unless you sanitized and cleaned up the system.
“A patriot who believed that the foundation of reform is basically to address the problem of mismanagement, incompetence, and the wastages that emanated from corruption and misrule,” Lawal said.
Addressing criticisms against Ribadu’s current role as Nigeria’s NSA, Lawal said: “Those that do not know him would think he is just another politician here to feather his nest. Those who misunderstand him would paint him in the hackneyed and contrived hue of a loose cannon.
“Those that simply envy his position would willfully pervert legitimate instruments of scrutiny into cots of calumny.”
On Ribadu’s past achievements as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lawal stated: “He not only fought and defeated corruption, he instilled a new culture in Nigeria and beyond.
“He sparked the fire that burnt in me and many other young leaders across the length and breadth of Africa. He proved that it can be done, and that corruption is not a birthmark which cannot be obliterated.”
The activist also expressed confidence in Ribadu’s ability to succeed as National Security Adviser.
“Therefore, the little we can do is to give him our maximum support,” he concluded.
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