Develop Vocational Centres to Tackle Unemployment, Coalition Urges Youths Minister Designate

* Group unveils Jonathan, Kenyan President, others among 100 most notable African peace icons

*Plans pcholarship for 20,000 indigent African students

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

An amalgamation of 696 youth groups in Nigeria under the aegis of the Intellectual Elite Youths Association of Nigeria (IE YAN) has urged the Minister of Youths designate, Abubakar Momoh, to develop vocational centres across the country to ameliorate the scourge of unemployment in the country. 

The President of the association, Mr Azeez Balogun, made the call at the 2023 annual IEYAN national youths and women conference in Abuja weekend. 

“We need the government through the Minister of Youths designate to construct youth empowerment centres across the country to ameliorate unemployment among the teeming unemployed graduates in Nigeria. 

“Let me state this expressly, youth engagement in meaningful businesses and skills expedition is the major panacea to most of our existential challenges as a nation.

“I therefore implore our leaders and decision making bodies never to relent in placing the feet of youths in a prosperous and successful path,” Balogun said.

He pledged that the group would ensure that youths are instrument of positive change and advocates of expansion of good governance to every part of Nigeria.

He said: “We are here today having a President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is battling with barrage and plethora of criticisms as a result of some economic policies he formulated within the last two months of his administration.

“The policies are germane to the growth, development and financial independence of Nigeria but seemed to be temporarily bitting hard on Nigerians

“Undoubtedly, the opposition and political antagonists of Mr. President are everywhere to take advantage of the temporary hardship occasioned by the introduction of these economic policies to instigate Nigerians against Mr. President and APC in general. 

“Therefore, IEYAN as a proponent of democratic principles and upholder of masses oriented government, the onus is on every members of this noble youth organisation to sensitize the general public in our different capacities about the good and benefits Nigerians stand to gain from the policies of President Tinubu-led administration.”

Meanwhile, a non governmental organisation, Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide, has unveiled 100 most notable peace icons in Africa.

The group, at a press conference in Abuja Sunday, also announced plans to provide scholarship to 20,000 indigent students across the African continent.

The Project Director of the group, Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, who addressed journalists, said the ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons In Africa,’ would be instrumental to its lofty developmental projects.

He said the group would rely on their contributions and support to achieve its aims and objectives.

Some of the personalities unveiled are the Rwandan President, Paul Kagama; Kenyan President, William Ruto; South African President Cyril Ramaphosa; former  President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

The list also included the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adeshina; Chairman UBA Group, Tony Elumelu; Chairman Geregu Power PLC, Mr. Femi Otedola; President of LoveWorld Incorporated, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, among others.

Amafibe said the activities of the icons had continuously reduced conflicts, advance social bond and establish connections amidst diverse communities. 

The group explained that the notable peace icons in Africa are economists, financial experts, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialist, entertainment entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, activists, thinkers and creators who have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave in-erasable legacies. 

Amafibe said the group would endow scholarships to 20,000 students from various corners of Africa. 

He said: “This scholarship programme is designed to empower and nurture the forthcoming generation of African leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to propel the growth and stability of their respective nations.

“Acknowledging the youth as the vanguards of transformation, we are unwavering in our commitment to empower them through comprehensive training and skill enrichment initiatives. 

“We will furnish the youth with the tools of success, we invest not only in their personal course but also in the collective ascension of Africa. 

“These programme encompasses a diverse array of domains, spanning from entrepreneurship to technology, enabling the youth to steer innovation and constructive change.

“Additionally, we recognize the profound import of access to clean water in rural communities. Addressing this critical imperative, we are inaugurating the Pipe Borne Water Project, ‘CleanAqua4All’.

“It is an initiative aimed at ensuring clean and safe drinking water for underserved rural regions. 

“By guaranteeing access to this foundational resource, we enhance quality of life, bolster health and well-being and engender progress in these communities.”