Nigerian Youth Urged to Look Beyond Challenges, Embrace Self-Reliance

Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has assured Nigerian youth that despite the country’s challenges, there is hope for a brighter future. Speaking at a National Youth Symposium in Lagos, Hamzat encouraged youths to tap into the numerous opportunities available to become self-reliant.

Hamzat emphasized that Nigerian youths have consistently excelled globally in fields like science, medicine, and music. “Our music keeps the world dancing. Creativity in technology by our youths has soared very high. Your stars keep shining in the world of football. Nigerians are heading everywhere in the world,” he said. He urged youths to learn time and resource management skills to achieve success.

Hamzat acknowledged the country’s socio-economic challenges and insecurity but noted that foreigners are investing and making money in Nigeria. “Our problems are surmountable, and there are opportunities there. What is it that foreigners are seeing that we are not seeing? We must shine our eyes,” he said.

Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, former Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, echoed Hamzat’s sentiments. Fagbohun emphasized the importance of resourcefulness and resilience, saying, “You are not looking at any individual, you are looking at your own resourcefulness and resilience to take you through.”

Fagbohun urged youths to emulate Hamzat’s exemplary leadership and education. “Government should remove obstacles that prevent youths from accessing resources of the land. It should not be only for the children of the rich. Nigerian youths should have access to these resources,” he said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, highlighted the challenges of accessing land for agricultural purposes in the state. However, she assured that measures are being taken to ease land access.

The symposium, themed ‘Nigeria: Guiding the youth on the path to self-reliance,’ aimed to inspire Nigerian youths to tap into their potential and contribute to the country’s development.