STATEMENT TO MARK THE PASSING AWAY TO GLORY OF NELSON MANDELA

The Africa Youth Political Congress (AYOPOCO) on behalf of the youths of Africa join the millions of people across the world to mourn the passing away to glory of Africa’s icon and hero, Nelson Mandela. We particularly express our profound condolence to the widow and family of the Madiba, the entire South African people and the generality of the African people for this irreplaceable loss.

We see the late Nelson Mandela as a unique character who has distinguished himself in the struggle to liberate the suffering masses of South Africa from the shackles of the dreaded Apartheid regime. Mandela was a unifying character who did not allow the venom of oppression to push him to exact vengeance on the oppressor rather he lived above vindictiveness and parochialism by chartering the path of good will and forgiveness for all. He sought reconciliation between the former oppressors and the oppressed resulting in the successful construction of his dream “Rainbow Nation”. Mandela exemplified the rare kind of leadership mindset that is lacking in contemporary Africa, the selfless leadership, leadership with a high sense of humility, leadership with a high sense duty and love for the people and country. A leadership which would not even contemplate perpetuating itself in power, Mandela left political office after one tenure and continuously remained instrumental in the fight against the HIV/AIDS, Poverty and other debilitating human conditions across Africa and elsewhere.

This explains why the whole world is mourning his death; this is why AYOPOCO on behalf of the youth of the African continent is assuring his family that the Madiba would forever live in the hearts and minds of people across the world. We remind the world that Mandela’s life provide useful lessons for the Youths and Leaders of Africa. The most important lesson is that in the struggle for human dignity and development we need to be Determined, Fearless, Selfless, Resilient, Perseverant and Reconciliatory. We sincerely believe that the best way of mourning this great leader, hero and son of the continent is for all African leaders stay through to the virtues espoused by Nelson Mandela. The continent is still yearning for a more Determined, Fearless, Selfless, Resilient and Responsive leaders. These values and attributes are still relevant today in the struggle to improve the living standards of the African people. Mandela’s life is indeed a unique reference point particularly for the youth who have the ardent responsibility of continuing the struggle started by the Madiba and his comrades and compatriots. The African Youth must endeavour to shun violence and other acts of vandalism by directing their energies towards the development of their peoples and nations. It took a little boy in a village of South Africa to become Nelson Mandela who liberated his people from the inhumane shackles of Apartheid...it would take the collective energies of the youth to continue the struggle toward improving the lives of the Africa peoples.

May divine providence and the collective desire and will of peoples of Africa guarantee Peace, Democracy and Development in the Continent and beyond. May the Soul of Nelson Mandela Rest in Eternal Peace...

Thank you.

Sign:

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Isiakpere Hope Jasper

Founder/Chairman

African Youth Political Congress(AYOPOCO)

Tel:+233244914263, +2347066667073