Saturday, 6th July, 2024
Minister of State for Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande has assured Nigerian youth that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to provide the enabling environment for young Nigerians to excel in their chosen vocations.
The Minister gave the assurance on Saturday in Edo State at a youth empowerment program organized by Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Foundation.
While assuring the youth at the event of President Tinubu’s commitment to support the actualization of dreams, the Minister said that his appointment was enough testament of the “Renewed Hope” the President promised.
“What the President envisage is a country where a child of nobody would have equal chance to succeed and live a dignified life. The simple fact that the President appointed me, a child of every day Nigerian, is proof of his desire to build a country that offers equal and fair opportunities to all; irrespective of their economic or social standing, ” the Minister submitted.
While imploring beneficiaries who received grants at the empowerment ceremony to make judicious use of the funds, Olawande said the government would continue to create the enabling environment that supports the growth of the small scale industry where a lot of young people operate.
“As youth, our ‘can do’ spirit is our greatest strength. We must acknowledge the fact that certificate is not enough, that we need skill to succeed. It is when we have skills that we make it easy for Foundations like that of Dr. Paddy to assist the government in empowering us,” the Minister added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Founder of DP Foundation, Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Iyamu said the empowerment the Foundation has consistently delivered over the last 10 years was motivated by the desire to redistribute wealth and make life better for the majority, especially the youth.
The ceremony was graced by dignitaries, government appointees, private sector players and celebrities, including the APC governorship candadate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo; deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Dennis Edahosa; leadership coach and author, Dr. Linus Okorie; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Comrade Sunday Asefon; Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Ms. Titilope Gbadamosi; Singer and Song Writer, Timi Dokolo; among others.