OMOTOSO CALLS FOR YOUTHS INVOLVEMENT IN NATION-BUILDING
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….Advocates Bridging Generational Gap Between Old, Young Nigerians In Politics
The 13th convocation of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 saw the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso advocated bridging the generational gap, saying it is not merely a goal but an objective that is imperative for Nigeria’s progress.
Omotoso made the call while speaking at the Convocation, noting that youths should perceive themselves as leaders of today rather than tomorrow and, therefore, actively participate in nation-building, contributing their quota to the growth of Nigeria.
The Commissioner, who delivered the convocation lecture, titled “Closing the generational gap between the old and young in Nigerian politics,” opined that there was an urgent need to bridge the generational gap between the old and young in the nation’s politics for improved development and progress.
He identified youths as leaders of today, urging them to brace up and avoid peer pressure that could jeopardize their attainment of greatness as leaders.
Omotoso added by applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administrations for appointing many youths in their cabinets. He encouraged graduating students to think outside the box for entrepreneurial engagement rather than seeking unavailable white-collar jobs.
He said, “The common cliché that youths are leaders of tomorrow is no longer in tune with present-day reality. The truth is that what becomes of tomorrow is determined by what happens today. So, the more everyone grasps the fact that the youth are actually the leaders of today and not tomorrow, the better for all”.
“Looking at the example of the younger members of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet in Lagos State, one is bound to reaffirm that the future is now. Fortunately, they are yet to disappoint the people as they cover themselves in glory through trail-blazing performances.
“To further harness the peculiar talent of youth in the State, Governor Sanwo-Olu has prioritized youth empowerment in all its budgets. All the budgets of the current administration since 2019 have been carefully designed to meet the aspirations of the teeming youth by focusing on sectors with job-creating potential like Agriculture, Construction, Technology and Security.
“The aim is to improve the economic conditions and social safety needed for the youth and ensure all hardworking Lagosians flourish. Resources have been committed to sectors that need to grow for the youth to become self-reliant and economically empowered.
“A pivotal crux of all the budgets has been the promotion of an entrepreneurial culture among the youth. In the light of this, micro, small, and medium enterprises will be strengthened because their activities help to facilitate socio-economic advancement”.
He further emphasized that youths who will be relevant in nation-building must be those ready to take responsibility and live responsibly. “The present trend where some youths act irresponsibly will not augur well for the nation”, he said.
In attendance at the convocation ceremony were, Chairman and Visitor of the University, Dr. Ola Adebogun; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi; Member House of Representatives for Kosofe Federal Constituency, Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara; Former Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Police Commissioner, Adegoke Fayoade, who represented Police Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun; Benue State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Rev. Frederick Ikyaan, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia, and the MD/CEO, Tpumpy Estate Development, Mr. Akintayo Adaralegbe.
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