The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has asked the youths in the country and abroad not to in any way succumb to hopelessness but they should rather keep faith in new Nigeria.
He gave this admonition on Monday in Abuja when he declared open the maiden edition of the National Youth Conference at MKO Abiola stadium.
The VP said that the present government will leave no stone unturned to ensure the growth and development of every youth in the country.
He said, “Building a nation is an inter-generational endeavour, I think that this is a particularly important point. Government can be changed in the electoral cycle, but the destiny of a nation is shaped across generations.
“This country is ours, above and beyond partisan troubles, disagreement and everything else, the future will be what we make of it in these days when we seem to be assailed on all sides, it is natural to fear for the future and nurse anxiety, on what tomorrow holds.
“However, this is not the time to give up or to succumb to despair. This is the time to engage and to work more seriously to build the country of our dreams.
It is my belief that young Nigerians organize, mobilize and participate fully in public affairs. Your contributions are invaluable to the debate on what sort of future we want.”
In his remark, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare said the essence of the first-ever national conference is to showcase the enormous Nigerian creative minds.
He said, “Significance of November 1st for the average youth and the activities around this day is to accentuate the youth agenda and concentrate our minds and commitment to do something and do more for our youth.
“It is also a good opportunity to deepen youth engagements, conversations and collaborations. But beyond all of these to begin to act speedily in addressing the needs of our youth.”
He expressed that the government will continue to initiate the programs that will progress the youth and Nigeria at large.
Copyright PUNCH