Minister, dep gov tell youths to embrace dialogue

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, have charged youths to embrace dialogue and be involved in result-oriented initiatives for self-development and nation building.

The minister gave the charge when he received a delegation of Forum of Special Assistants/Senior Special Assistants to Governors, led by Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Titi Gbadamosi, in State House, Abuja.

Badaru stated that the reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were geared towards improving the lives of Nigerians.

The minster recalled that Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) and other Skilled-up Artisans Initiatives (SUPA) were put in place specially for youths’ development.

Badaru advised youths to collaborate with the Ministries of Information and National orientation for publicity, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Youths, Minister coordinating the National economy and finance and other agencies, like Bank of Industries and SMEDAN to key into the programmes and initiatives for youths.

Earlier, Gbadamosi said the Forum was committed to advancing youths across the continent by fostering dialogue, innovation and collaboration.

In his advice, Hamzat called on youths to make use of their time on informative articles and educational videos capable of offering tangible solutions to real-world problems, rather than wasting their time in frivolities.

He gave the admonition, yesterday at the Y2024 International Youth Day Celebration, with the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” held at Regency Event Hall, Ikeja.

Hamzat said: “We should stop wasting our time, and our lives on frivolities and focus on practical things. My advice is always to get a book, find out why the author wrote it, and apply it. I encourage you to always read well-equipped books that can be useful to you and read books that will change your life for the better as reading books will keep you informed and more educated.”

In his goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, stated that the world was experiencing tremendous transformation due to improved technologies, and that youths were at the forefront of the digital revolution, developing innovative solutions and driving progress.

He urged youths to utilise their creative potential, energy, and passion to create digital solutions that guarantee the actualisation of Sustainable Development Goals that aid in building a better world for all.

In his address, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, noted that the state government remained committed to creating an enabling environment, where youths could thrive in today’s digital age, adding that technology was reshaping every aspect of lives, with youths at the forefront of digital revolution.

Earlier In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, stated that the ministry was committed to fostering digital literacy, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating spaces for the youth to engage and grow.