21/08/2023
IYD 2023: SAMOLA CHARGES YOUTH ON SELF-DEVELOPMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Over the weekend, Saturday 19th August 2023, Hon. Samson Folorunso Olatunde (SAMOLA), the Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), issued a clarion call to the vibrant youth of the Council and Nigeria at large, exhorting them to embark on a journey of self-development to fuel the nation's economic prosperity.
The Chairman's impassioned plea came to light during the momentous observance of the International Youth Day 2023 Celebration, an event organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Olorunda LCDA chapter in Iworo, Badagry.
Under the theme, "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World," the Chairman's words resonated deeply with the attendees, emphasizing the significance of self-reliance and active participation in shaping a sustainable future. Hon. Olatunde fervently expressed that while government intervention is indispensable, the responsibility of cultivating a prosperous nation should not rest solely on the government's shoulders.
With an unwavering conviction in the potential of the nation's youth, Hon. Olatunde implored them to harness the proficiencies they have acquired through higher education to invigorate the country's economic landscape.
He emphasized the value of dynamism, urging the young minds of Nigeria to explore a plethora of legitimate business opportunities that transcend reliance on government support.
"As the world moves, our youth must not remain stagnant," Hon. Olatunde declared resolutely.
In a distinguished keynote address, Justice Oluwole Ashade, the Judge of Lagos High Court in Yaba, seized the audience's attention with a germane call. He called upon the youth to spearhead transformative change within their respective communities, underscoring the pivotal role they play as harbingers of hope. Justice Ashade cogently highlighted the shift towards a digital and eco-conscious world, stressing the imperative for young individuals to equip themselves with skills that align with the burgeoning green economy.
"The world is changing into a digital and green world, hence we must ensure that young people have the skills to thrive in the green economy.
I therefore call on all stakeholders to create a sustainable investment and commitment in green skills for youth". He said.
Adding his voice to the discourse, Comrade Billiaminu Oba, the Chairman of the Lagos State NYCN, underscored the significance of aligning with the visionary Smart City developmental Agenda set forth by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the year 2030. Comrade Oba ardently conveyed that any aspiring luminary seeking to embrace the future must commence their voyage of exploration without delay. He cautioned that the skills that serve them today may not be fully adequate for the opportunities that await tomorrow.
In his impassioned appeal, Comrade Oba implored the youth to distance themselves from the clutches of substance abuse, emphasizing that the path to success is strewn with obstacles. "Please, stay away from drugs, drugs kill. It kills your spirit and motivation and everything about you", he posited.
Hon. Oluwadamilare Samuel Kafisewon, former LAHA Constituency I aspirant and CEO of FIA homes charged the youths in attendance to be focused and resolute as he delivered a brief about his journey through life. He charged the Nigerian youth on consistency and sincererity of purpose in the quest for self development and prosperity.
Concluding the event on an optimistic note, Mr. Abdulsalam Ashade, the Coordinator of NYCN, Olorunda Local chapter, called upon Nigeria's leadership to invest in equipping the youth with the tools they need to flourish. He underscored that the youth can be formidable agents of development when provided with knowledge and opportunities that empower them to thrive.
As the echoes of Hon. Samson Olatunde's rallying call reverberate through the air, it is evident that a new era of proactive youth empowerment is dawning in Olorunda LCDA. Having reeled out his progressive plans for the upliftment of the council youth, The Chairman's visionary exhortation, coupled with the sagacious counsel of esteemed speakers, has set the stage for a vibrant and sustainable future, where the youth rise as architects of change, bound by the collective purpose of steering Nigeria towards unprecedented progress.