Politics
REP. Taiwo Kolawole, representing Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal Constituency, at the House of Representatives, says Nigerian youths are capable of solving the world’s problems.
Kolawole made the assertions at the maiden edition of Agbado Oke-Odo Economic Summit organised by the Community Development Committee (CDC) on Thursday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme of the summit was: “Creating A Landscape for Economic Growth in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA”.
According to him, our country needs to do many things to keep the youth busy for the future purposes to build a formidable economy for coming generations.
“Growth is a continuous development, doing things in same way and expecting different result is not reasonable.
“We don’t need hundreds of people to change the mindset of youths; what we want is some change agents among them who can change their mindset.
“With this process, we can take them to where we want to, because the country has youths who are capable of solving the world’s problems, but most of them are idle presently,” he said.
The national assembly member said that many activities could keep the youth busy like sports and entertainment, and at the same time yield more profit at the long run.
According to him, sporting activities need to be resuscitated at all levels, entertainment industry has to be focussed on likewise arts, and cultural activities will keep the youth busy and advance economy at the long run.
“Let’s stop building dangerous youths to the world where some of them spend meaningful hours with their android phones doing nothing.
“Some of them cannot use their senses or initiatives any longer.
“All they depend on now is to Google for directions, even many of them no longer listen to the words of elders like in the olden days for directions,” he said.
Kolawole said that entrepreneurial trainings and vocational skill on ICT among the teeming youths needed to be focussed on by all levels of government.
“All these developments will promote the economy and keep the youth away from social vices and reduce the crime rates within our various communities,” he said.
Also, Mrs Yetunde Arobieke, the Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Lagos State, said the state was doing a lot to create employment for youths.
Arobieke was represented by Mrs Iyabo Bello, Director of Employability, Ministry of Employment and Wealth Creation Lagos state.
“We are doing a lot to create employment for the youth as we have five job creation centres in Lagos State.
“We have centres in Epe, Ikorodu, Eti-osa, Ikeja and Ojo Local Government where the youth can go to for necessary registration. It is from there we give support in career guidance as the case may be,” she said.
According to her, the programme is ongoing for youths take advantage in acquiring vocational skills at the various centres in the state.
Also, Mr Adewale Babatunde, the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Community Affairs, thanked the CDC for organising such a summit for economic development of the LCDA.
“I appreciate the CDC for the love they have for the youth and the community for organising this kind of big summit for council.
“Majority of the challenges we have among the youth this day mainly comes from the parents.
“Parents have to take over the responsibilities by encouraging their children to venture in both formal and skill education.
“Sixty per cent of youths still listen to their parents; if these groups can be well tutored and trained in either school or acquire skill acquisitions, our economy will be of great advantage,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Olabowale Kasunmu, the CDC Chairman, Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, said there was need for the government to take proper recognition of the council, saying the LCDA is the largest in terms of population and landmarks.
“Our LCDA, arguably the largest in terms of population and landmarks, hence, the need to foster a solid relationship with the leadership to make our council the greatest.
“In spite of the significant progress made by the past leaders, the unending economic quagmire, unemployment and poverty remains serious challenges that we must jointly confront with vigour.
“This maiden economic summit, which we assume, will revitalise and renew the commitment and champion a new network with a promise to stimulate the LCDA local economies to benefit our immediate communities,” he said.
According to him, it will also address the challenges we face with respect to reducing unemployment, poverty, improvement in infrastructure development within the LCDA landscape.
NAN
– May 20, 2021 @ 18:59 GMT
Tags: Summit: Nigerians youths capable of solving nation’s problems- Rep Kolawole
