By Temidayo Adu
An Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Hashim Atere, has urged the government and politicians to prioritize the youths in their empowerment programmes to engender a brighter future for the country
The Cleric made the call in Ibadan while delivering the 7th Annual Shina Peller/Oyo NUJ Oyo State Council Ramadan Lecture and Iftar
Sheikh Atere, who spoke on the theme “Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship in Islam: Lessons from the Prophet’s Life,” lamented the lack of adequate attention paid to Nigerian youths in the areas of social security and empowerment delivery.
The Islamic Scholar, who is also the Oyo State Chairman, of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) lamented the condition of youths which according to him has led them into heinous activities, like internet fraud, kidnapping and ritual making all in the bid for survival.
Sheikh Atere advised the government to accord special attention to youths’ empowerment and training, saying they were bundled with the skills and talents the nation yearns for to enhance a better future.
On his part, sponsor of the programme, the Ayedero of Yorubaland and former Member of House of Representatives for Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency of Oyo State , Chief Shina Peller submitted that the critical roles of the youth in shaping the future cannot be overemphasised.
While noting that youths occupied over half of the nation’s population, Chief Peller called on the government to harness their potential through empowerment initiatives, saying it was vital to societal growth
Corroborating, Deputy Director News and Current, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station and immediate past Chairman, NUJ , Oyo State Council, Mr Adewumi Faniran, under whose tenure the lecture was instituted called on the government to establish a special education system for commercial motorcyclists who are youths in a bid to broaden their horizon and engender meaningful contribution to the country.
Earlier in an address of welcome, Chairman NUJ Oyo State Council, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, enjoined the government to emulate developed nations in the area of youth empowerment so as to drive the digital revolution of the country.
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