Youths and student Union leaders across the country have been urged to shift away from a submissive and deferential approach towards politicians if they wish to be respected and gain leadership positions.
This advice was given by Mr Dapo Oke, FCIA,MANUPA, Registrar of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, during the 2024 International Youth Day Celebration held at the Oladipupo Diya Library and Resource Center, Odogbolu.
The event, with the theme “Empowering The Youth And Building Futures Amidst Economic Challenges”, served as a platform for addressing the role of youths in governance.
Mr. Oke criticized the Nigerian youths for allowing themselves to become tools in the hands of politicians, a practice, according to him, has eroded the vibrancy once associated with student unionism in the 1960s.
He noted that this attitude has diminished their status as key stakeholders in governance.
The former Students’ Affairs Officer identified several barriers preventing youths from attaining leadership positions, including socioeconomic challenges, political and administrative control, corruption, and issues related to gender and ethnicity. He urged youths to become more responsible and take active roles in their development.
The foremost University Administrator admonished Youths to shun the elusive white collar job and rather take advantage of the various Entrepreneurship and Technological Programmes put in place by the various arms of Government.
The event was put together by the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Odogbolu Branch.
Other speakers at the event included Comrade Olawale Ogunnuga and the Ogun State Chairman of the National Youth Council, Oloye Akolawole Shoremi.
The event was attended by HRM, Oba Okuribido the Dagburewa of Idowa, the Erstwhile Chairman, Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. Shuaib Ladejobi, Hon. Seyi Adeniyi and Prince Kamorudeen Adebajo, the Chairman BOH Foundation, Hon. Bankole Habeeb Olugbile, Hon. Obafemi Onakoya and host of others.