Nigerian youths have been urged to play significant roles in providing the needed solutions to solving the problem of inclusiveness and access to quality education across the country regardless of their backgrounds.
Adetola Juyitan, National President, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria stated this at a youth conference held in Lagos in commemoration of the 2019 International Youth Day.
Juyitan while speaking on the theme; ‘Transforming Education; Rethinking the Present’ noted that youths must begin to embrace a digital mindset if they are really interested in causing any change in our society.
According to Juyitan, “All youth must rise above their present holdbacks and challenge themselves to take on new actionable ideas that are in tune with the reality of the present age”.
Ketil Karlsen, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, on his part made an urgent call-to-action for every youth in the country to contribute their part in ensuring that inclusive and equitable access to education was made possible to everyone especially now that we now live in a digital age.
Ronald Kayanda, director, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos Nigeria, revealed that the commemoration of the historic day, which has been ongoing for 20 years, forms part of United Nations agenda to support the youth.
According to Kayanda, “The choice of the theme was timely given that United Nations as an organization was already making effort to ensure that Nigeria’s education system is fit for the digital age.
In her remarks, Bamidele Abiodun, Wife of the Ogun State Governor, expressed delight for being part of the historic celebration and applauded JCI Nigeria for its contribution towards youth development in Nigeria despite the overwhelming challenges.
She equally commended the ‘Ten Outstanding Young Persons’ for their continued belief and optimism in the country and encouraged all to remain committed to Nigeria’s development, continually striving for self-development and finding innovative ways to positively impact on the country.
Abiodun explained she is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 of the United Nation (UN) stating that providing equal opportunities for the education of the country’s young ones is the core of her personal project as well as the administration of her husband, Dapo Abiodun led-government.
Whilst at the event, the list of the 2019 JCI Nigeria Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) was unveiled. The honourees are Adeola Adefemi, Glory Osei, Naomi Ekpoki, Folarin Falana, Oluwaseun Osowobi, Temi-Giwa Tunbosun, Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola, Lauretta Onye, Samson Itodo and Onyeka Akumah.
Juyitan, who commended them for their dedication and perseverance to success despite all odds, appreciated and presented awards of commendation to all ten honourees in different categories (Personal Development Award, Scientific and Technological Development Award, Medical Innovation and a host of others).
Popular music artiste Folarin Falana (Falz) and Temi-Giwa Tunbosun were both adjudged the winners of the Cultural Achievement and Medical Innovation award categories respectively.
KELECHI EWUZIE
