Don’t give up on Nigeria, Lagos government begs youths

Otunba Fatai Olukoga, special adviser to governor Babatunde Fashola on education has advised Nigerian youths not to give up on the country despite the present challenges.

He advised them to always put in their best at all times and utilize every opportunity that comes their way.

Speaking during the commemoration of the International Youth Day celebration 2014 and unveiling of a non-profit and non-governmental platform, the Hope for Youth development Initiative, (HYDI), Olukoga counseled young people to always seek the consent of the elderly ones before taking decisions

“A lot of youths have derailed because they don’t have the opportunity to listen to elders,” he said.

“Most students derail when they indulge in illicit attitude… Most of these are caused upon them by themselves.

“To climb a step, you go one by one, be mentally alert, have a good culture habit.”

In his keynote address, Mr. Babatunde Iginla, a former Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), expressed concern about the economic situation of the country, maintaining that the present state of things has had a negative effect upon the youths.

“The economic situation of Nigeria has resulted into youth unemployment and defective infrastructure and has generated a lot of stress and hypertension on the youth of the country,” he said.

“The fact remains that only youths with stable mental health can sustain the environment … The purpose of humanity is to strive for a perfect world. The possibility of achieving this depends on the quality of the youth because they are the leaders of the future.”

He however called for initiatives that could bridge the gap for sustainable development in the country.

Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, the online editor of The Nation newspaper, who was the guest speaker at the event cautioned the participants on how to make good use of the social media and advised them to be mindful of what they do online.

He further noted that social media should not just be used as a means for idle interaction but also as a viable tool for learning.

“Every youth should note that he or she can be googled… What you do online shouldn’t contradict your personality,” he advised.

“Be warned what you do on your social media platform, as much as social media offers everyone the opportunity to be global citizens, quality time should be used on social media as one doesn’t need to be on all social media platforms, thus it should not be taken for fancy.”

Comrade Ajibike Taofeek, HYDI visionier, appreciated the guests and about 200 participants in attendance.

He encouraged them to join the movement of positive minded youths either as volunteers with the initiative or as impact makers through the group’s social network.