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Olabode Adaramola
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), has blamed Nigerian youths for their nonchalant attitude towards developmental issues in Africa.
National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of NEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu said yesterday when she paid a courtesy call on the Acting Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso at the Government House, Minna that there is no limit for youths in the country to participate in African activities.
She thereby called on youths in the country to compete favourably with their counterparts in other African countries.
According to her “If Nigerian youths don’t get involved in the redirecting and thinking of their mates, colleagues and friends; if they don’t get involved in the progress of their country, what would they have to offer their own generation and their own people? So, your future is in your hands. We have to work together.
“I advise Nigerian youths to walk to NEPAD office, compete with other youths in Africa and take their rightful place. They need to get involved and participate in both national and international events; Be the economic preacher of Nigeria, a national flag bearer, an African sample and with that we can go forward in Africa.
“It is time to get serious, Nigerian youths must be serious because the leadership of this country will one day get into their hands. How will you approach it if you don’t get involved in the leadership and government of your country?”
She stressed that Africa as a continent will be a better environment for us, saying “there is no need travelling to other countries, there are good leaders who need young minds in the country. Come up with peace initiative programmes and the government will listen to you. There are a lot of opportunities.
There are small loans to start up something. Identify the right agencies, go there and ask questions. We at NEPAD, our doors are always opened, we will direct and help you as your own people.”
In his response, the Acting Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso said the state has outlined activities and programmes that are targeted towards reducing extreme poverty, youth engagement in various skills acquisition programmes, comprehensive agricultural development programmes, good governance and capacity building.
The acting governor who was represented by the Secretary to the state Government, Hon. Ibrahim Isah Ladan said the administration covers all aspects of women and youth interests to gainfully engage them in entrepreneurial skills to reduce the unruly cases of youth restiveness in the society.
Also, the State Director General, NEPAD, Engr. Abdullahi Ketso said there are plans already on ground in the state to train 2,000 youths from the 25 LGAs in various skills.
