Europe’s first ethnic media satellite channel’s founder and its former CEO, Mr. Ali Soyode, has formally declared his intention to run for Nigeria’s President in 2019. He is also the convener of YES Nigeria, a fast-raising positive and innovative movement in the country.
Addressing stakeholders and supporters in the country’s capital, Abuja on Monday, Soyode said his interest is to empower Nigerian youths, bridge the divide gaps, strive for greater heights, improved the Es and to get everyone participating in the affairs of the nation.
The well attended and colourful declaration event showcased his mission for Nigeria with the YEEEEEES template which highlighted his vision for the country in various sectors of government based on Youth, Economy, Education, Employment, Energy, Enterprises, Elderly, Expertise, Experience, Equality, Enforcement and Security. All driven from the written Nigerian constitution. He appreciated the leaders in the country, especially the founding fathers for sacrificed to get the country on a path and called the electorates to use their voting rights elects the needed in 2019.
“We have the youth and the experience of our elders and both are needed to make Nigeria a greater Nation. “We have the ability to meet our challenges because we have the most needed resources, human capital and blessing of natural resources that abound in the country as well as millions of highly skilled Nigerians in the Diaspora. “Our economy sincerely needs diversification, moving away from oil to manufacturing and services. “Our education is falling; many have called for a national emergency in the education sector and educational standards is actually declining in parts of the country.’’
Mr. Alistair Soyode, fondly called the ‘BRIDGE’, said he would also focus more on security as the benefits of living in a great Nation like Nigeria would not be enjoyed without good and secured security.
He said that the armed forces and police would be reformed by increasing their budgets, training them and equipping them with the necessary tools to fight crime.
He said: “To me, police officers are as important as any officer or executive in Nigeria. “Their job is not to protect only those that have the resources to hire private security officers, but to deal with anyone breaking the law and safeguarding the property and belongings of the common people.
“All options will be explored to help reduce crime and whoever is found guilty will face the full wrath of the law.
“Let this be a warning to the foreign killers in Nigeria; leave the country now; it is the end of the road.
“Asthebridge.org will not allow you to cross over into killing our people and burning our properties.’’
He said that Nigeria needed peace and security for the economy to grow; for tourism industry to grow and attract tourists.
Soyode said Nigeria, at this critical time, needs a focused, experienced and dedicated leader who is willing to work with other Nigerians ready for the job of making Nigeria better and greater.
The presidential aspirant said he is a detribalised Nigerian committed to charting a new course for the country and calling on the media to play more active roles in the direction of leadership and governance even though the challenges faced are harder than before as media practitioners.
In attendance are major stakeholders in the YES movement, labour unions, students, international NGOs and prominent personalities whom included the former Edo State Commissioner of Information, Kazeem Afegbua. Speaking at the occasion, Mr Afegbua stated it is about time the Nigeria youth rise for a better country by voting youthful, strong and energetic leaders with Fresh and digital ideas in conforming to global standards. He also spoke profoundly about the ideals and laudable achievements of Mr Ali Soyode in making Nigeria proud both home and in the diaspora as a former Leader of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDOE)
Earlier, the YES Nigeria movement National Coordinator, Dr. Mary Manzo stated on the need for Nigeria to go for leaders ready to bridge the visions of the nation’s founding fathers and called on the electorates to use the power of their thumbs as well as making sure they obtain their PVC.
Ali was born in Katsina to a Northern and Southern parents. He schooled in the North before embarking into banking and sporting field. He then for greener pasture moved to Europe, where after various entrepreneurial ideas setup the first ethnic, black and African and Nigerian satellite channel, BEN Television. A former Chairman of NIDOE and presently mentoring Commandant for Nidmecorp, an organisation focusing on mentoring youths and entrepreneurs in the country and United Kingdom.
The campaign hopes to raised the fund to kick start the journey now properly with his official declaration. Indication were high with potential big donors joining in actualising the success of declaration and entering the race as many youths and students keys into the dream of better, innovative and modern day of governance.