Nigerian youths have been encouraged to remain good ambassadors of the country anywhere they find themselves.
This advice was handed down at the Mosan-Okunola local council development area branch of the National Youth Council of Nigeria youth symposium and awards ceremony.
Hon Ayo Orimolade, Secretary to the local government, represented the council chairman, Princess Olabisi Adebajo, and encouraged youths to remain, the good ambassadors they are known for and continue to represent the LCDA positively.
He said, “We have youths with positive vibes in the council area; we are glad the NYCN is given the right direction in this aspect; continue to stand up to be a good ambassador of the country.”
Hon. Orimolade assured the youth body of continued support for their self-development and meaningful engagement with soft skills for a better tomorrow.
The council chairman commended the comrade Gbolahan Badru led youth Council for commitment to youth development and partnership as he urged them to maintain the momentum of peaceful youth activities within the council area and Lagos state in general.
The chairman of the Lagos chapter of the youth council, comrade Ibrahim Adigun, was represented by his special assistant on special duties, comrade Babajide Oke. He charged the youth to remain the catalyst of positive development in their area.
The youth leader also encourages the youths to develop themselves, even if they must japa, it must be on a positive note and for a productive mission.
“You need to get it right, Lagos remains the Hun of youths in Nigeria, hence, we must remain positive and focused in all we do, you need to do it right in life, the idea of japa is not a bad idea for any youth to do, but must be done within the ambit of the law and with a positive purpose that at end of the day would be productive,” he said.
Speaking as a keynote speaker on the occasion, Head of Programme, GIz-ZME Nigeria, Sandra Vermuijten-Alonge, encouraged youths to be focused and ensure they developed their potential for a greater future.
Vermuijten-Alonge told the gathering that the GIZ is always interested in youth development and self-reliance, saying the youth are critical elements of any successful nation.
She urged them not to run out of the country all in the name of searching for white collar jobs, saying Nigeria is endowed with so much that youths can tap into.
Awards were presented to deserving community leaders, youths, and government officials who have stood firm in championing the course of youth development.
The awardees included the Mosan-Okunola LCDA, Mrs Apatira Abiola; Special adviser to the chairman Mosan-Okunola on special duties, Hon Gbolahan Yusuf; a Lagos State Neighbour Safety Corp member, Mr Ijaodola Olusola, Chairman Mosan-Okunola National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Agoro Adebanjo; secretary of Mosan-Okunola community development committee, Mr Olufemi Oyewole and former vice chairman, Lagos west of the NYCN, comrade Jamiu Ademosu
Others are Him Olasunkanmi Afeez Adekola, councilor representing Gowon ward B at the Mosan-Okunola LCDA legislative arm; Mr. Sunday Aderibigbe; Mr. Ijaodola Olusola; Hon Ayeni Folashade; Alhaja Shakirat Owojori Omowunmi and Reverend Joshua Zinsu.
One of the awardees and SA on Special Duties, Hon Yusuf, appreciated the youth for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner and for their commitment to be engaged in different skills acquisition programs embarked upon by the council chairman.
Hon Yusuf said the Mosan-Okunola LCDA is engaging the youth monthly in different skills acquisition programmes, saying over 5,000 of them have been training in digital skills and soft skills.
He assured that many of such will continue to be organised for the benefit of the youths.
Speaking, the coordinator of the NYCN Mosan-Okunola branch commended the council chairman, her executives, youth bodies present, and other stakeholders in the youth development sector.
Speaking on the essence of the youth symposium, Badri said it was an avenue for the body to bring all youths together to chart a new way forward in their various activities toward self-development and reliance.
The occasion, Badri said, afforded the youths the opportunity to express themselves and be guided on the need to be responsible citizens as well as get occupied with meaningful skills that will better their lots in the future.
