By Correspondent in Ilorin
As the Federal government promises to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within 10 years,accomplished youths in the country have been urged to join the cause by forming partnerships toward encouraging meaningful youth development programmes that would bring about peace national prosperity.
The Technical Assistant to the Kwara state governor on Investments,
Alhaji Kabir Shagaya, gave the advice in Ilorin while speaking with Journalists on the sideline of a leadership summit on challenges of youth leadership in both public and private sectors, tagged, Voices of Tomorrow (VOT).
Thele governor’s aide said that those privileged, especially accomplished youths in public and private sectors, had higher responsibility in setting example of excellence toward reducing youth related challenges.
“There is a lot of heat across the country and people are divided along different lines, calling for political solutions.
“Only a few are discussing the genuine issues of development and the role that each of us in society has to play in achieving national prosperity.
“The first point of education should be an understanding that everyone is in a position of influence. However, those who are privileged, especially accomplished youths in public and private sectors, have a higher responsibility and more is expected of them in setting an example of excellence”, he said.
Talking on the one-day youth summit,Shagaya said that the programme was an annual convergence of accomplished youths in different fields of economy, to proffer development modules and encouragement for national growth.
“To ensure that our actions match our words, the Voices of Tomorrow summit is creating a platform for young Nigerians to brainstorm and partner for socioeconomic growth of the nation. We will be converging annually across Nigeria to advocate and collaborate for changes and innovation in leadership and economy,” he said.
Shagaya, who lamented lack of a strong support chain and mentorship between the youth and leaders as major cause of the current division in the society, stressed the need for the nation to be united and harmonious to maximise its potentialities, as the most populous country in Africa.
He added that the programme wass non-political aimed at positioning the state,known as “State of Harmony”, and as a centre of learning, investments, and leadership development.
Shagaya said that this year’s theme, “Responsibilities And Expectations That Come With Influence,” was chosen to discuss roles of young people in building a united, safer and prosperous Nigeria.
