In commemoration of the International Youth Day designed to celebrate the impacts of youths worldwide, a Kogi-born journalist with one of the leading newspaper in Nigeria, Israel Arogbonlo has called on all youths in the country to be responsible and purposive rather than turning themselves to political tools in the hands of ambitious politicians.
Arogbonlo, in a statement issued on Wednesday, made this clarion call in Lagos while congratulating the youths on the auspicious occasion he described as a time to reflect on the potentialities of the young people in achieving the sustainable development goals for the Africa continent at large.
“The Global Youth Day is a time to reflect on our potentials as African youths who are purposive and goal driven, especially as we work together as one African to achieve the sustainable development goals for the Africa continent at large.
“It’s sad when I compare the exploits of youths in developing countries with the image of the Nigerian youths in the global forefront. Today, crime has become a popular phenomenon among our young minds as more often than not some prefer to be political thugs for the inordinate and power drunk politicians who only use them to satisfy their selfish ambitions rather than influencing their immediate society positively. What a sad tale!
“I think it’s high time we used this time to look inward on areas we can harness to bring about the change we so desire as a nation driven by a common goal of showcasing the real reason of being called the Giant of Africa to the world at large. This would be possible if only the young minds channel their strength towards things that are beneficiary to the development of our country and stop chasing shadow where no solution exists,” he said.
Arogbonlo advised the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide an enabling environment for the youths to showcase their God given abilities, especially in the area of science and technology which he considered as an integral aspect for the 21st century youths to engage themselves.
