The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Miss Rinsola Abiola, has called on Young people to shun all forms of social vices and adopt a lifestyle characterised by positivity so as to be involved in Nation building
Miss Abiola who stated this on Thursday, during a one-day Youth re-orientation program for Secondary School students in Abia, held at JAAC Secretariat Umuahia, reiterated that youths as future leaders and hope for a better tomorrow must avoid behaviours that could compromise their potentials.
The program tagged; ‘The Next Generation Project’ and organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), was aimed at educating the next generation of young people in Nigeria on Basic Health techniques, the dangers of Cybercrime, substance abuse and Corruption
The SSA urged the youths to strive for excellence, as well as serve as role models toward ensuring a bright future, and take civic responsibilities seriously by participating in electing Leaders of the Country for the overall well-being of society.
“The Republican administration has established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NEL Fund, an interest-free loan initiative for students of tertiary institutions who require support in paying their tuition.
“Initiatives of this kind are essential so that we can remove all barriers to higher education and by extension economic prosperity for our people and our country.
“I encourage you to take advantage of the student loan initiative if you require the support after you’re done with your education in secondary school,” Abiola stated.
In a keynote address, the Director General National Orientation Agency (NOA) Malam Lanre Onilu, represented by the Director Abia State Orientation Agency,Mrs Regina Iroha, said lack of National consciousness for a nation like Nigeria may not be the main problem of the Nation but lack of commitment by its citizens to promote deep inter-ethnic relations.
“More than any other period in their history, Nigerians need to know, in ambiguous terms, what to expect from the states, the promises that are rightfully theirs. In the same vein, the citizens should be aware of their duties to the nation,” she noted.
Mrs Regina Iroha, advised the people to shun corruption, adding that the Nation’s prosperity is not solely dependent on its economic success but on the values and attitudes of the citizens.
“I’m telling you here today, my students, that corruption is with us and all of us will put our hands on deck to fight it,” she said.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Basic Education Elder Goodluck Ubochi, said engaging with and empowering the next generation is essentially the surest way to build a world that is innovative, inclusive, and resilient.
He described education as the backbone for societal and personal development which creates the pathway through which everyone can arrive at a successful and rewarding destination.
“We are here to support you, to listen, and to create opportunities for you to thrive. Let’s work together to build a world where every young person has a voice, a purpose, and the courage to achieve his or her fullest potential. Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things you will accomplish,” He said.
NewsNGR reports that the programme featured cultural dance from the students, drama and presentations from Representatives of the EFCC and NDLEA. The program also had an interactive session which allowed students to ask questions and interact with the speakers.