From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has counseled Nigerian youth to stay away from kidnapping, thuggery and other social vices.
Kalu, according to a statements by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, stated this, in keynote address at the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) grants unveiling event themed “Catalysing Youth Agency for the Nigeria We Want” , on Monday, in Abuja.
NYFF is a project that is in partnership with LEAP Africa, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Ford Foundation where some grants are given to some youth for empowerment.
The Deputy Speaker, who lauded the programme asked the youth the seize the opportunity to better their lots. He noted that the NYFF’s impact extends beyond the grantees themselves. He said this is because it is creating a ripple effect, inspiring other young Nigerians to believe in their potential and take action to create a better future.
According to him, “It is now your turn, the youth of Nigeria, to seize the mantle of leadership and continue the march towards a brighter future. The challenges we face are not insurmountable obstacles but rather opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and transformative change.
“Step into the arena of leadership, not as mere participants, but as architects of a new Nigeria. Let your voices be heard, your ideas be shared, and your actions be the driving force behind a nation that truly reflects the dreams and aspirations
of its youth.
“Let us envision a Nigeria where innovation thrives, where entrepreneurship flourishes, and where technology empowers our youth to become the engines of economic growth. Let us envision a Nigeria where diversity is celebrated, where inclusion is the norm, and where every Nigerian feels
valued and respected.
“The time for action is now, my fellow Nigerians. Let us seize this moment,
this opportunity to shape the Nigeria we want, a nation that reflects our
collective dreams and aspirations. Let us unleash the power of youth
agency, the transformative force that will propel our nation toward a
brighter future.”
Kalu added “this is a message to young people, you’re better than doing kidnapping, you’re better than being in an insurgency group. You can do more than being a thug. You have a lot in your hands. It’s time for you to harness it”, he said.
“As we unveil these grants, we are not simply distributing funds; we are sowing the seeds of a new era, one where the voices of young Nigerians are amplified, their energies harnessed, and their dreams realized”.