Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has urged youths in the country to take a cue from Nigeria’s pre-independence leaders by playing more active part in politics to defend their interest and make the country a better place for all.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Lead Generation Initiative under the theme, ‘The Future of Leadership, role of the youth,’ he said education is critical to leadership. “The youths must take up leadership roles at the wards, local government and state levels to be relevant politically. Leadership is like a ladder with different steps. The youths must take up leadership roles in order to be impactful in the society. We had our answer to colonial leaders in great leaders like Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello. They were elites and also youths. They were thoroughly educated and were ready to take up the challenges of their time. Are our youth ready to take up similar challenges today?”
Dare noted that the #EndSARS protest was an eye opener which further galvanised government to engage more with the youth. “There are about 25 youth-based programs domiciled in different ministries and agencies.”
Unfortunately, I discovered while engaging with the youths across the country that most are not aware of these programmes. Government is playing its role, the youth must equally apply themselves to available opportunities,” he said.
