Thousands of motorcyclists and car enthusiasts on Wednesday transformed the streets of Kaduna into a vibrant display of colors, captivating locals with a dazzling celebration of Nigeria's 65th independence day.Arewa PUNCH reports.
The event, which started at Centenary Park across from the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, featured the riders and competitors traveling along Ali Akilu Road into Kawo and then returning to the starting point.
Eager students, merchants, and pedestrians filled the roads, waving banners and applauding the cyclists as they sped by in an uncommon showcase of motorcycle entertainment.
The gathering, hosted by the youth-led Capacity Movement, aimed not just to honor the nation's achievement but also to reignite hope and solidarity among Nigerians.
On the event, notable activist and head of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, called on the people to maintain optimism regarding Nigeria's future despite its difficulties.
Regardless of our preferences, the reality that we continue as a nation in our effort to create a unified country is something to be honored. Despite attempts by perceived adversaries to break us apart, we have remained united.
"That demonstrates perseverance," Shettima stated.
Considering Nigeria's six and a half years of independence, Shettima noted that the path has faced challenges, yet he remains hopeful about the present administration led by President Bola Tinubu, whom he called "a genuine democrat and someone who emerged from struggle."
He stated, "Currently, we experience liberties that were not available to us in earlier times. The economic condition is gradually getting better, and the insecurity that had plagued the North for many years is now being tackled vigorously. We need to keep backing the government so it can carry out its duties."
Amid growing demands for him to run in the 2027 general elections, Shettima maintained a cautious approach, neither affirming nor denying the rumors.
"It's premature to turn the matter into a political issue. I've heard the demands, and I value them. When the appropriate moment arrives, I will address it as needed," he said.
Nevertheless, the standout moment of the Independence Day event was when the Capacity Movement officially supported Shettima for the Kaduna Central Senatorial position in 2027.
The group's National President, Comrade Shehu Sani Sado, stated that the support came after extensive discussions and was an acknowledgment of Shettima's principles and his role in the fight for democracy.
He stated that the group's name, Capacity Movement, was not by chance but an abbreviation representing credibility, accountability, projection, ability, creativity, integrity, tenacity, and yielding.
“Shettima meets all the criteria. He represents the genuine spirit of competence, which is why we think he is the ideal candidate to stand for Kaduna Central. We feel he is among the rare leaders capable of genuinely reforming the system and bringing back order. That's why we are fully supporting him,” Sado stated.
The young leader emphasized that the movement's choice was also motivated by the aim to promote effective leadership and to revive young people's involvement in political affairs.
We, the young people, need to understand that no one will arrive from another place to construct Nigeria for us. It is our duty.
"It would be unfair to our ancestors if we fail to acknowledge how much progress we've made. National achievements of this nature should always be honored," he added.
The support received enthusiastic cheers and applause from attendees, with many praising Shettima as a steady advocate in the fight for democracy and social justice in Northern Nigeria.
One of the motorcyclists, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who had a big Nigerian flag attached to his bike, said to Arewa PUNCH that he participated in the procession to demonstrate "hope and enthusiasm."
He stated, "This is a means of conveying to the world that Nigerian young people are not surrendering. We are strong, and we have faith that the future can improve if everyone contributes their part."
The July 4th celebration, blending entertainment with political messages, created a joyful atmosphere in Kaduna and reignited discussions on the future of leadership in Nigeria's North-West area.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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