Youths Advised to Seek Opportunities in Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Nigerian youths have been asked to earnestly seek opportunities available in the country rather than insatiable search for Golden Fleece outside the shores of Nigeria.

The advice was given in Abuja at Beyond Talent Conference organised by Africa Relief Trust Initiative (ARTI).

Speaking at the conference, which had in attendance mainly fresh graduates, the founder of ARTI, Olatunde Popoola, noted that there are massive opportunities in the country for anyone to excel and it was needed engaging in irregular migration in search of golden fleece outside the country.

He said: “Youths as well as women’s level of performance and contribution is a function of their renewed knowledge, skills, attitude and motivation. Attitude constitute the most important factor in the performance of the youths. The right attitude helps to learn, show commitment to work and relate well.

“Problem solving and decision making is also a critical function of an effective youth. They are the reasons why the youth are employed or unemployed. Problems do not go away by ignoring or by good wishes but by appropriate diagnosis, analysis and actions.”

He explained that the effect of training and education is especially important because it helps to over-ride natural inclinations, biases or reservations they encountered while in the performance of their duties.

Added: “To overcome these inclinations, this “Beyond Talent Conference” things optimizing youthfulness on the pillar of human capital development is designed to enhance youth’s competences and capabilities.”

Popoola explained that ARTI, which has already commenced empowerment programmes in, Ogun, Lagos, Rivers States and Abuja, has a plan to raise 50,000 young entrepreneurs in 10 years across Africa and raise 10,000 young leaders within the decade.

He noted that as parts of its goals, ARTI plans to build vocational and technical centres across Africa, support government of African countries with basic amenities like schools, hospitals, roads, transport, among others, with the aim of reducing poverty to the barest minimum on the continent.