From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The young people of Nigeria have been tasked by the Presidency with having a positive attitude on the future of their country and actively participating in addressing critical developmental concerns.
Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola, made the call in her address at the unveiling of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) grants in Abuja on Monday, December 4, 2023.
The event, lrganized by LEAP Africa, themed ‘Catalyzing Youth Agency for the Nigeria We Want,’ awarded $1.2 million in grants to young Nigerians for implementing programmes in key areas such as Employment and Education, Peace-building and Security, Healthcare, ICT and Entrepreneurship, Climate Change and Environment, Media, Sports and Entertainment, and Civic Participation.
Abiola emphasised that the project serves as a potent reminder of every young person’s duty to the country, a critical component of her position as a government appointee. She emphasised that youth must go beyond analysing problems to coming up with creative solutions.
“While the government has a mandate to cater to citizens’ welfare, it is essential for ordinary Nigerians, especially the youth, to play a role in bridging the gaps that hinder progress,” she stated.
Abiola highlighted private endeavours such as Andela and the Co-Creation Hub as instances where youth took charge, offered ideas, and motivated government action, resulting in noteworthy advancements.
Noting that Nigeria now has a Minister of Communications and Digital Economy on the verge of drafting a national strategy on Artificial Intelligence due to such private efforts, Abiola emphasised that these projects can serve as scalable models for change.
“Barack Obama once said that people who love their country can change it, rejecting the notion of powerlessness often echoed by those who succumb to pessimism. Cynicism may be alluring, but real change comes from hopeful optimists who believe in the possibility of a better future,” she continued.
“As Nigerians, we must take responsibility for our country’s state and actively contribute to its journey. We are not helpless passengers but co-drivers of change. Let’s ideate, find solutions, and work towards making a positive impact. Fortunately, organizations like LEAP Africa exist to multiply our efforts and ensure that our aspirations for Nigeria become a reality.”
She advised the grantees to seize the opportunity and join in spreading the message of hope about Nigeria’s future.