By Ejiro Nesisa
A panel of discussants have urged Nigeria youths to develop themselves in all ramifications in order to attain prominence in the society. The panel of discussants among whom are Dr. Harvey Igben, Barr. Ejiro Etaghene , Mr Abraham Ogbodo and Pastor Edewor Egedegbe stated this today, Wednesday, at a public lecture series to mark 10th Anniversary of Advocate Newspaper which its theme is:’ Youth Empowerment and Leadership Evolution: Rethinking Nigeria’s Leadership Recruitment Process which took place at Wetland Hotel, Ughelli in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
They argued that the youths should develop themselves and not to depend on anybody for empowerment just as they said the church has not helped matters as it has drifted from moral lessons to the society and centred on the acquisition of material wealth. According to them, there is need for leaders to be people’s oriented instead of selves’ centeredness as that has not given room for the youths to emulate good leadership virtue.
According to them, youths should embrace knowledge to drive the leadership process just as they agreed that the government must play its roles by creating conducive atmosphere for both the private and the public sectors to strive. They advocated that the youths must be prepared to take leadership position and avoid being used and dumped during elections.
In her keynote address, Professor Enajite Ojaruega, a Professor of African Literature, Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University Abraka, said many youths still struggle to attain empowerment as many seek greener pastures abroad which, according to her, is largely due to unemployment, insecurity among other challenges inherent in Nigeria. She however said, many of the youths are doing well abroad especially in the area of music, football and others adding that, it would be better if such were done to improve Nigeria as a country. She therefore advised the youths to work hard to attain leadership position as no leadership position is achieved on the platter of gold.
Her words:” The youths should not expect that leadership position would be placed on their laps, they have to work for it.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Publication Ltd, Mr Shedrack Onitsha said the vision behind the medium in print and online formats is his dedication and commitment to journalistic excellence in the past 10 years has contributed to sharing the landscape of media in Niger Delta and the nation. According to him, the theme discussed is so chosen as part of the organization’s commitment to foster thought – provoking discourse on matters crucial to the nature’s future meant to empower the youths and train leadership structure in Nigeria.
His words:” This lecture series aim to ignite a dialogue that challenges the status quo and advocates for leadership recruitment process that is inclusive competent and reflection of the aspiration of Nigeria youths”.
He said, among other things, the strategic objectives are to engage stakeholders in constructive conversation to drive positive change in Nigeria leadership process. Others who gave good will messages include Olorogun Fred Majemite, Sir Prince Elvis Oharisi among others.