Youth Minister Sues For Nation-Building Amidst Political Differences

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has challenged youths to put political differences aside and unite to build up Nigeria.

The Minister, who gave the charge while addressing a group of youths in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said he was in the state in continuation of his engagement with young people across the country.

“I know this is a PDP state, but it is now time for governance and not politics. It is time we put aside party affiliations in order to build Nigeria.

“Like I said yesterday during the engagement with fellow youths in Cross River State, my message here this afternoon will be the same. It’s time young people prioritize skill acquisition if we must bury the monster of unemployment bedeviling our generation,” the Minister said.

Hon. Olawande also stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is devoted to youth development, noting that the President has shown his commitment by given the youths a significant space in his government as a demonstration of his belief in the talent and value of an average Nigerian young person.

He emphasized the need for the youth to leave party differences aside and focus on making sure their generation justify the perennial quest for inclusion through the success of their representatives in leadership positions, and the government they serve.

Reiterating his emphasis on skill acquisition, the Minister said, “The fundamental responsibility we have now is to support this government, we must be ready to benefit from various opportunities that are available to the youths, especially in the areas of Skill acquisition. We must also plan to learn as many skills as possible because it is our most valued asset towards nation-building. Like I say, everywhere I go, it would be a sin for any Nigerian youth not to have a minimum of 2 skills.”

The Minister, during the engagement, interacted with various youth bodies in the state, including religious youth groups, student association, youth artisans, among others.

Hon. Olawande, who later had a private audience with the State Governor, Mr. Umo Eno, is expected to visit the NYSC Orientation camp in the state before his departure.