The Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the State of Osun, Barr. Kolapo Alimi has urged government to focus on policies that will benefits the development of Nigerian Youths.
He tasked legislators both at the state and national level to consider the Youths at the center of gravity of growth, development and security of lives and property by preparing them for the prosperity, financing goal oriented projects, engaging and training the youthful population in order to achieve what the youths have to offer in abundance which no other age grade can offer.
Barr. Alimi stated this in an address titled: “Development of our society and tackling of insecurity in Nigeria: Role of the Youth in focus,” at the 2nd Ishola Olateju Round Table held at Igbomina house, ilorin, kwara state.
He said, “The role of the youths in Nigeria’s development is major while other factors are not subject to output of the youths.”
He stated that Youths remained the engine room of every society as they are the leaders of tomorrow who determines what the future looks like.
He said the territorial integrity of the states, and the lives and property therein are seriously being threatened by the worrisome wave of terrorism which is now rampant in Nigeria, which can only be curtailed if the government curbs Youth restiveness.
Alimi opined that the major actors in the crimes threatening peace and stability of the society are the youths, who if properly channeled, trained and monitored by those in-charge including the government, organisations and parents, they would serve the society positively, and make for its peaceful coexistence and development.
“When employed, youths are the reliable source of demand for the economics through their consumption activities. In addition, the youths in Nigeria could be critical for the development of a new class of entrepreneurs that Nigeria needs to prosper.
“The engine room of every society is the youths and they are the leaders of tomorrow who determine what the future looks like. They are also the major source of the energy and ideal in which the potential of the country lies. Through their creative talents and labour power, a nation makes giant strides in economic development and social-political attainments. In their dreams and hopes, a nation founds her motivation; on their energies, she builds her vitality and purpose. And because of their dreams and aspirations the future of a nation is assured.
“To the youths, something is missing in you. It is true when Bernardo Bertolucci said, This is what is missing in today’s Youth. Being able to dream and to change the world would retrieve what is missing to enable them dream and change our world. The present and future is in your hands,” he concluded.
