Youths are seen as positive contributors who can use their talents to project the country on the global stage.
This viewpoint was expressed by Dr Olukemi Afolayan, Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State Directorate, during an interview on the NTA network news programme, “PANORAMA,” on Friday afternoon.
Dr. Afolayan emphasized that Nigerian youths should not be viewed through a negative lens.
She acknowledged that while some young people have been influenced by negative values from their upbringing, many others are bringing pride to Nigeria through their expertise in various fields.
Dr. Afolayan highlighted that the visionary leaders who fought for Nigeria’s independence, such as Sardauna, Azikiwe, and Awolowo, did so while still in their youthful years. She charged today’s youth to emulate them so as to bring the country to new heights.
She noted that the current administration is giving considerable attention to youths by giving them roles through key appointments and numerous empowerment programmes such as the NELFUND initiative.
Dr. Afolayan urged parents to instill the national core values in their children and foster patriotism and a commitment to doing the right thing.
Furthermore, she stressed the importance of value re-orientation, which the National Orientation Agency continues to carry out to cultivate a desirable youth population in Nigeria.
Dr Olukemi Afolayan noted that many young individuals are excelling in their respective fields and representing Nigeria as shining stars. She appealed to the youths generally to emulate such Nigerians. She further urged the youths to invest in the Nigeria project.
The Oyo NOA State Director called on parents to shape the future of their children and wards by imparting family values that will make them patriotic citizens and contributors to national development.
Signed,
Isiaka Adeniyi
Head, Media Unit, Oyo State NOA
