THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Monday tasked Nigerian youths not to make themselves handy tools in the hands of some mischievous individuals, spreading hate speeches and other divisive tendencies, capable of jeorpardising the unity of the country.
He said there was need for the youth to properly channel their energy to issues and matters that would engender the healthy development of the nation.
Speaking at a press conference addressed by Young Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (YEN) in collaboration with his palace, in Ile-Ife on the proposed youth empowerment summit 2017, Oba Ogunwusi said “we need to chart a positive course for this country. The youth forms the largest demography for Nigeria. We would have a strong voice if we come together. As far as positive energy is concerned, you can count on me”
According to him, “I am very proud to be associated with this summit of Youth Empowerment. You have my unalloyed support completely for this initiative. These are things Nigerian youths should be part of. I am challenging you to sit down and think in a very positive manner. We should mindful of the unity of Nigeria. Hate speeches should be avoided. The youth should not be used for hate speeches. We should very careful of our utterances and what we are being used for”.
Oba Ogunwusi continued, “before 1960, the founding fathers of this country, who were in their 20s and 30s were brought together for positive course. Their objective was very positive and generally acceptable across the entire country and they all came together from various zones to fight for the collective interest of Nigeria”
“As youths, let us come together and stop hate speeches. The pioneers of Nigeria we’re not propagating hate speeches. They all agreed on October 1, 1960. And that was how we started as a country. Positive objectives that would take Nigeria to greater level should be pursued. We should join hands with the government and stop blame game.
“We thank God that Buhari is back. Nigerian youth should support the government. We know they are not perfect, how well are we mirroring on positive things for the development of the nation. Our founding fathers shouldered a lot of responsibilities. Youths should wake up from their slumber. I implored all youth in Nigeria to drop the negative energy.”
“In Ife, we have experienced communal war and the effects were devastating. Our energy should be channeled for the positive growth of the country. I appeal to all youth across board to make Nigerian project workable. Let our nation be the first that will be successful in all we do so that we can be the model of greatness to the black race,” Oba Ogunwusi remarked.
Earlier in his speech, the national president of YEN, Mr Chris Kohol said arrangements have been concluded to host Youth Empowerment Summit 2017, where business leaders, youth entrepreneurs, mentors, budding entrepreneurs, investors and government officials would discuss and x-ray the challenges and solutions to youth entrepreneurship.
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