In a rallying cry to the young people of Nigeria, Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, has called upon the nation’s youth to innovate and tackle the obstacles that lie before them. This call to action was made during the minister’s visit to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) facilities in Paiko, Niger State, located in the North-Central region of Nigeria.
Acknowledging the myriad challenges faced by Nigerian youths, Mr. Olawande expressed unwavering confidence in their capacity to reshape the current narrative. He emphasized that the future and prosperity of the country hinge upon the youth’s ability to leverage available opportunities through resourcefulness, highlighting their pivotal role in propelling the nation forward.
“The future belongs to you, and the power to drive Nigeria towards a brighter tomorrow resides in your hands,” the Minister passionately conveyed to the attentive audience. “If we do not seize this moment to rewrite our story, then when will that moment arrive?” he challenged.
Drawing from his personal journey, Minister Olawande recounted the arduous path he traversed to carve out his place in the world. With resolute determination and unwavering diligence, he self-funded his education, surmounting financial hurdles while pursuing his studies in Civil Engineering. His journey from a laborer to an engineer epitomizes the resilience and tenacity that he aims to instill in the Nigerian youth.
Assuring the youth of unwavering support, the Minister underscored the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address the challenges that confront the nation’s young populace. The promise of an enabling environment to facilitate their growth and success was unequivocally declared.
Amidst the backdrop of this empowering message, Mrs. Abdulwahab Olayinka, the State Coordinator of NYSC in Niger State, extended a warm welcome to the Minister and shed light on recent developments within the camp. Notably, she disclosed that nearly two thousand prospective corps members had recently taken the oath of allegiance in a ceremony presided over by the Chief Judge of Niger State, Honourable Zainab Aliyu.
Detailing the operational aspects of the camp, Mrs. Abdulwahab illuminated the comprehensive healthcare services provided, noting the presence of a dedicated clinic managed by a team of medical professionals. Furthermore, she highlighted the active involvement of corps members in skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programs, underscoring the camp’s commitment to holistic development.
However, she candidly shared the challenges confronting the camp, including the pressing need for improved hostel accommodation, essential facility renovations, and the mitigation of erosion-related issues. Moreover, the shortage of sanitation facilities, inadequacy of water sources, and deficient utility vehicles were flagged as areas requiring urgent attention.
As the government continues to champion the cause of Nigeria’s youth, this call to action stands as a testament to the unwavering belief in the transformative power of resourcefulness and the unyielding spirit of the nation’s young people. Let the rallying cry for innovation and resilience echo far and wide, heralding a future where Nigerian youth are empowered to surmount any obstacle that dares to stand in their path.
