FG tasks youth to shun vices ,embrace innovative act to face reality

The Federal government has urged youth to avoid criminal activities and embrace new idea that will empower and position them for leadership in order to contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation. The Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande disclosed this at the 6th OJN Annual Symposium and foundation secretariat commissioning of N500m […]

The Federal government has urged youth to avoid criminal activities and embrace new idea that will empower and position them for leadership in order to contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation.

The Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande disclosed this at the 6th OJN Annual Symposium and foundation secretariat commissioning of N500m Appeal Fund on Tuesday in Lokoja.

The Symposium with the theme : “Youth innovating for impact ; leadership, entrepreneurship and social responsibility” which drew guests from all parts of the country noted that the youth should innovate with impact to mitigate mortgaging their future.

The Minister of Youth Development says the ministry will support any initiative or material project that will empower and transform the youth to play a key role in the act of nation building .

The minister who was represented by a director, Dotun Omoleye said :”We expect the youth of this nation to start thinking outside the box, for them to exercise their role at this period in the nation’s life. We see this kind of initiative as a motivating force that will bring the youth to the forefront of leadership in the country”.

In the same vein, the current Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel company limited in kogi state , Professor Abdulsalam Nasir Naeem said the time has come for the youth to evolve an initiative that will change their orientation, for them to become useful to themselves and the nation.

He said the opportunity for the nation’s youth of today has dwindled greatly ,charging youth to enter into research that will empower them with knowledge to dare and excel in the competitive society .

“The federal government has empowered us to re-design and revive Ajaokuta steel company limited, The process is ongoing, but gradual. By the time ,the chips are down, the teeming youth in the country will be the chief beneficiaries.

“It behold, we must work before we earn. Our youth should imbibe the spirit of gradual growth and development, and shun all form of vices, and make -quick syndrome act”, he said .

However, the Guest Speakers, Mr Olusade Adesola ,immediate past Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Administration and Hon. Dr. Abdullahi Sanni Ozomata, Technical Adviser on Multilateral & Donor-Funded Projects to the Governor of Kogi State hinged the survival of the youth to their focus on entrepreneurship, leadership and social responsibility, rather than posture of praise- singing leaders .

Mr Adesola said innovate for impact reflect thinking differently to solve problems more effectively, including disrupting the norm in order to build a better future; not waiting for permission to lead.

While Adesola said leadership is no longer about problem solving , he enjoined the youth to note that entrepreneurship is the engine of economic growth and pathway to financial independence; and social responsibility remains the soul of innovation.

“True leadership inspires others to dream more , learn more ,and become more.

“Social responsibility addresses local and social challenges; practices volunteerism , stand up for clean governance ; promote transparency,and stand against corruption and vote responsibility.

“Social responsibility must be embedded into the DNA of youth leadership; it’s the culture that turns a volunteer into visionary ,and movement into a legacy”, he said .

Against this backdrop, he said the newly inaugurated youth hub secretariat should be seen “more than a building ,but a monument , a civic lab , talent foundry and a haven for those who dare to dream difficulty and act decisively”.

Also, Dr Ozomata said for the youth to be taking seriously by the older generation and curry their support for leadership quest , they should create opportunity that will write their future from today .

“The development of Nigeria is inseparable from the youth. Drop your youthful exuberance, drop unnecessary activism and face the reality .Youth activism prepare you for the future, but it’s wise to know when to transit and face reality .

“The greatest contribution to youth development is not in institutions construction ,but in development of people, particularly the youth “, said Dr Ozomata .

Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo said his administration will continue to support the initiative or project of the youth that will make them relevant in the society.

The governor who was represented by the secretary to government of the state, Dr Folashade Ayoade Arike commended the initiative of the international youth activist, Comrade Oladele John Nihi ,who is his Special Adviser on Youth and Student Affairs in his quest to reposition youth for present and future challenge.

In his remarks, the convener , comrade Oladele John Nihi said the idea youth hub was reinforced by his shared dream and vision of empowering youth to create an impact in the society .

Comrade Nihi who celebrated his 36th birth on the same day added that the landmark today was a collective journey designed to create an opportunity for youth to write their future from today, not tomorrow as always touted.

“OJN Foundation Secretariat envisioned to serve as the Kogi State Youth Hub; houses four key offices, a library, a resource store, and a 200-capacity hall; it’s not just a building, but a center for transformation, collaboration, and growth.

“The facility is equipped to support the state’s youth and facilitate the foundation’s humanitarian initiatives”, he said.

Arch. Salman Idris, representing Kabba/ Bunu and Ijumu federal constituency at the National Assembly, and the chief launcher of the N500m Appeal fund called for support of the initiative in order to equip and transform youth for sustainable development.

The occasion was witnessed by Royal Fathers, including HRM , Alhaji Akawu Salihu, the Ohimege -Igu , Kotonkarfei; Dr Hauwu Victoria , Jatto, founder of Rural Education and Empowerment programme(REEP) and co-founder of Youth per-Africa; federal and state legislators , appointees and host of others .