For Nigeria to have credible leaders that will steer the wheels of affairs in the country to the promised land, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela and Founder, Shafaudeen In Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Olagoke Ariyo have enjoined Nigerians, particularly the youth to imbibe the right attitude.
The two professors gave the advice during the 2nd year anniversary of Straight Times Magazine held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.
Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, while speaking on the topic “Nigeria’s quest for Credible Leadership: Roles of The Youth” submitted that it is achievable for youths in the country to contest and win elections if they are determined, focused and ready to utilize opportunities that come their way to realize their goals and objectives.
He disclosed that the current figure of youths in the total population of the country is about 64 million, adding that about 24 million of them are occupying various political positions across states of the federation.
Professor Olowofela further explained that youths in the country have enough opportunity to take the mantle of leadership if they are ready to take up the challenges and take advantage of social media to contest and win elections. He added that about 20 million Nigeria youths are on Facebook with many of them paying attention to something of little or no importance, rather than focusing on issues affecting them.
The former council boss commended the National Assembly for the amendment of the constitution to allow youths from the ages of 25 and 30 years to contest for the positions of House of Assembly and President.
In his keynote address on “The Nigerian Youth: A Bleak or A Bright Future” Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke noted that the focus of those in the position of power must be on how to ensure a good government that will believe in the youth as the future leaders that must be well groomed and nurtured.
He stated that every stakeholder must put their hands on the deck in search of credible leadership by shunning secession, insurgency, terrorism and corruption. He added that if Nigeria is to witness more greatness and development we must remain united.
According to the former Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Polytechnic Ilaro, “The Nigerian youths’ future will remain bleak if we fail to have the right attitudinal change and it will be bright if we are able to heed to the voice of wisdom through credible leadership.”
The Coordinator, International Institute of Journalism, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem, who was the Chairman at the event, in his opening remark commended the efforts of the publisher of the publication, Kunle Bakare for not relenting despite the economic situation in the country. He established that publishers at this period in the country deserve commendation.
Alhaji Kareem advised Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to check on activities of quacks in journalism profession particularly those in broadcasting, stating that many of them do not comply with codes and ethics guiding the profession before they go on air.
While presenting his welcome address, the Publisher of Straight Times Magazine, Mr. Kunle Bakare, highlighted some of the challenges confronting him in the course of duty, noting that he is still publishing because of his passion, desire and determination.
Awards were given to Prof. Sabit Olagoke as Grand Patron, Straight Times Magazine, Hon. Olowofela for his contribution to the growth of the publication, Prof. Adeniyi Oladehinde and Vice Chairman, Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), New Era, Mr. Adeola Adeagbo.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali and Mariam Azeez
