Young people have been acknowledged as the most special breed among the citizens of Nigeria on account of the range of privileges they enjoy, which their forebears never had. The recognition was made by Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari at a dinner organized for young people to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. She spoke through Wife of the Acting President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo at the Banquet Hall of the State House on 27th June, 2017.
Privileges such as the digital revolution have opened up the world to young people, giving them a voice. Such privilege, she however said is a burden and therefore comes with responsibility. “I therefore call on you to be responsible in the way you apply these privileges” She urged.
Mrs. Osinbajo spoke on the need for young people to understand the importance of the family name, saying that names are honourable and must be protected.
“Both family names and those given to you by your parents are honourable and must be protected, one day; you will expect the same of your kids.” She cautioned that beyond family name is the name of Nigeria, and that must also be upheld. She reiterated that even though young people have a responsibility to own and rule their world, they must do what it takes to leave a good name.
In an address of welcome, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Dr. Hajo Sani said Wife of the President organized the event with a view to reminding the youths to sustain the positive values which they have imbibed during the holy month of Ramadan.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, encouraged young people to continue to take advantage of the digital revolution. He said it is good that youths can assess development in this country from their doorstep; therefore it is easy for them to get agitated when their expectations are not met. He said change as a process may be slow but sure, painful but fruitful. He called on them to imbibe peace, describing it as a basic commodity of existence, which should not be sacrificed on the altar of freedom of expression.
Speaking about what government is doing on social investment, Senator Dr. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, said despite the recession happening the world over, Nigeria has taken measures to cushion the effect by introducing programmes like Npower, GEEP, NASSP and others. He advised youths to take advantage of these opportunities and learn skills that can sustain them.
Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina called on youths to be more accommodating, urging them to “keep a seat in your heart for everyone”, while Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media gave an inspirational talk on the importance of Education as a social leveler, and urged youths to embrace it as it will shape not only their thoughts but their utterances and their actions.