Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has challenged Nigerian youths not to bow to the pressure of the current challeges in the country to mortgage their future.
Governor Mimiko threw the challenge on Wednesday in Akure while addressing youths from across the State on the occasion of this year's International Youth Day Celebration with the theme, "Youth Civic Engagement".
The Governor, who had earlier led other top government officials to plant trees along Shagari Village and Irese road in Akure to mark the celebration, noted that the nation was currently being confronted with challenges such as unemployment and insecurity which he expressed optimism will soon be over.
Dr Mimiko submitted that it was possible for the youths to convert the challenges to opportunities to excel in life by being creative and bold to confront the challenges.
He said that if the youths failed to engage in productive ventures by utilizing the various opportunities put in place by the State government in agriculture and entrepreneurship training, they would be lured into criminal activities and other destructive vices capable of destroying their future.
The governor who described the youths as powerful instrument of change, drivers of the economy and asset of the nation, advised them not to submit to challenge but they must confront it with determination and courage to succeed, adding that they must never allow negative criticism to deter their progress.
According to him: "I must advise you as youths of this nation, you are a powerful instrument of change and you must not let the challenges we are facing as a nation to discourage you. Never must you allow these challenges to push you towards mortgaging your glorious future.
"Try and confront the challenges with strong determination to succeed in life. You must not submit to challenge but try as much as possible to confront it".
In his welcome address, the State commissioner for youth development and sports, Mr Bekekhimi Idiarhi appreciated the State government for giving priority to youth welfare and development in the area of skill development, training and empowerment.
August 12 of every year is set aside by the United Nations Organization to recognize efforts of the world’s youth in enhancing global society.
It also aims ap promoting ways of engaging them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities.
Governor Mimiko threw the challenge on Wednesday in Akure while addressing youths from across the State on the occasion of this year's International Youth Day Celebration with the theme, "Youth Civic Engagement".
The Governor, who had earlier led other top government officials to plant trees along Shagari Village and Irese road in Akure to mark the celebration, noted that the nation was currently being confronted with challenges such as unemployment and insecurity which he expressed optimism will soon be over.
Dr Mimiko submitted that it was possible for the youths to convert the challenges to opportunities to excel in life by being creative and bold to confront the challenges.
He said that if the youths failed to engage in productive ventures by utilizing the various opportunities put in place by the State government in agriculture and entrepreneurship training, they would be lured into criminal activities and other destructive vices capable of destroying their future.
The governor who described the youths as powerful instrument of change, drivers of the economy and asset of the nation, advised them not to submit to challenge but they must confront it with determination and courage to succeed, adding that they must never allow negative criticism to deter their progress.
According to him: "I must advise you as youths of this nation, you are a powerful instrument of change and you must not let the challenges we are facing as a nation to discourage you. Never must you allow these challenges to push you towards mortgaging your glorious future.
"Try and confront the challenges with strong determination to succeed in life. You must not submit to challenge but try as much as possible to confront it".
In his welcome address, the State commissioner for youth development and sports, Mr Bekekhimi Idiarhi appreciated the State government for giving priority to youth welfare and development in the area of skill development, training and empowerment.
August 12 of every year is set aside by the United Nations Organization to recognize efforts of the world’s youth in enhancing global society.
It also aims ap promoting ways of engaging them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities.
