The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has commended the Embassy of Ecuador in Nigeria and the Young Journalists Forum (YJF), for sustained monthly Youth Dialogue.
H.E. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,the Governor of Osun State ably represented by Hon. Idia Babalola, the Commissioner for Federal Matters in Osun State discussed in depth the role of youths in building peace in the continent of Africa.
The event was anchored by Mr. Godwin Tawo from the Voice of Nigeria and in the opening statement, the Ambassador of Ecuador to Nigeria,H.E. Mr. Leopoldo Rovayo Verdesoto mentioned that Ecuador and Nigeria have a lot in common and should always strive to get the youths engaged so as to be able to build a better nation.
He stated that this platform where everyone is allowed to engage in trending topics in the society is important and should continue even if there are changes in the leadership of the Embassy.
Hon. Idia Babalola spoke on behalf of the Governor of Osun state by thanking the people of Ecuador and the Young Journalist Forum for the invitation to talk on an important subject that concerns youths.
The Commissioner stated that ‘we have provided empowerment for thousands of youths in skill acquisition and small businesses set up.
For instance, between 2014 and now, our administration, in conjunction with the CBN provided interest- free loans of N4.5 billion to 24,850 thousand youths in diverse fields of commerce, agriculture, manufacturing, artisanship, education and health.’
Dr. Vincent Wuranti, Deputy Director, Currency Operation Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria-CBN stated that the absence of peace is unpalatable, adding that there are 4 reasons why young people react;
1. Group motivation hypothesis: If the ideals of the group are not met by the society, they will resist and revolt.
2. Greed hypothesis: An uneducated youth who does not have prospect for a good job for lack of skills is vulnerable and can easily take to drugs and crime to meet his needs.
3. Failure of the social contract: When the social contract breaks or when governemnt does not deliver of promises made, youths will revolt.
4. Economic Pressure, Engage youths in building projects and give them a platform to help them fight against creative tensión.
Dr. Wuranti urged the youths to ensure that they engage in something meaningful so as not to be vulnerable to social vices. He urged the government to recognize and reward young people with awards, certificates etc. and condemn the young ones with bad behaviors.
The Coordinator, Young Journalists Forum, Comrade Chukwuma Nzeh, noted that the reason for choosing the topic was to draw attention of young people to the need to promote tolerance, dialogue and peace in the country.
Participants at the February 2018 edition of the monthly youth dialogue with representative of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Hon. Idia Babalola and His Excellency Leopoldo Rovayo Verdesoto.
