Free Light of Nigerian Youth Foundation (FLONY) has urged governments at all levels as well as major stakeholders in the country to expand their investments in building the capacity of our youth, especially in acquiring necessary skills and capacities that will make them gainfully employed.
National coordinator of the foundation, Dr Lanre Adebayo, who made the call, Thursday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the National Roundtable on Volunteerism for Peace and National Stability, said it could not be over-emphasised that the youth are a critical element in any effort to ensure peace because they are often unwilling instruments in creating crisis.
He explained that his Foundation was established primarily to contribute to the national efforts and vision of a great Nigerian, Princess Farida Musa Jauro, stating that the Foundation has since its establishment in 2020, made phenomenal contributions to building the capacity of youth.
He further said the foundation has trained over 15,000 youth in various skills, adding that it begun in the North-east part of the country and has continued to expand to other parts.
Also, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, who was represented by one of his sons, Alhaji Sanusi Aminu Bayero, pledged to support the foundation in all aspects of youth development in the country.
He said his father supports the youth because they are the backbone of all the generations in the country and also commended the Foundation for its capacity building programmes and youth development.
Delivering a keynote address, the Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr Bakut Bakut said, “Whether we like it or not, as human beings, we are naturally volunteers. It depends on what you are volunteering for.
“We are all part and parcel of the society and the level of insecurity, instability affects you and me.
He explained that a volunteer is a person of any age who makes use of his or her ideas, knowledge, efforts, time, attention in specific projects for the benefit of others and expects no financial reward.
Bakut underscored the need for volunteerism, adding that through it, peace and stability are achievable.
Also, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr Li Xuda, said the world is a big family and no country can stay out of it and develop quickly as an isolated island.
In words: “With this international background, it is of special significance to hold national dialogue on peace, security and youth empowerment with the theme ‘Peace and Unity, A Panacea for Better Nigeria’.”
