Human Capital
VP urges guidance and support for Nigerian youths
Jan 7, 2010, 16:17
| | The Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has advocated improved guidance and support for Nigerian youths, particularly those in the creative arts and sports towards excelling at their professional endeavors and boosting national image in the process. This is even as he reiterated that the act of attempted plane bombing by 23-year-old Farouk Abdumutallab is completely alien to Nigerian culture.
He made these remarks on Thursday January 7 when he received in audience the winner of the Big Brother Africa show, Chuwang Pam Kevin, and other members of his publicity campaign team who paid him a courtesy call in State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“Yes we have our social problems but certainly not suicide bombing. This is completely alien to Nigeria. It is a new dimension that will certainly phase out,” he stated.
Dr. Jonathan said encouragement should be given to youths who are willing to utilize their talents positively as one way of fast-tracking the national rebranding campaign. He recalled that after the heroic soccer victory of the Nigerian U-23 Dream Team at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, the nation earned international recognition as foreigners worldwide were eager to identify with Nigerians. He noted that even the South African Deputy President, Kgalema Mothlante, when he visited the country recently, remarked that some of Nigeria’s greatest ambassadors are its actors and actresses.
“I believe in the ability of young people as agents of change in a society. If the vision of our youths is positive, then Nigeria has hope for a bright future. Therefore the preparation and encouragement we give to the younger generation matter a lot.”
The VP thus commended Kevin for making Nigeria proud saying “we are proud of you for promoting Nigeria positively”. He noted that his victory points to the fact that his innate attributes are positive and good, otherwise the watching African society would not have voted him as winner. He promised moral support for Kevin in rallying society to identify with his project and endeavors.
The VP also acknowledged the modification of the Big Brother Africa show in line with African moral values. “I was briefed that this last edition improved significantly in terms of morality. As Africans, we have a high regard for morality and cannot drop our true identity,” he stated.
Kevin appreciated the Vice President as a father and leader who is ever willing to support youths that have showcased their talents to promote Nigeria’s image internationally. To him, the BBA was like a canvass which he used to paint an appealing character that can be used to affect others positively. He urged that rebranding should not be left for Government alone, and presented the VP with a blueprint for his social campaign which is geared towards combating social vices and restructuring the mentality of young people in a positive direction.
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