By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka
As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark the 2020 International Youth Day, a foremost philanthropist, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, has urged government at all levels, humanitarians and corporate entities make policies and sponsor projects capable of transforming youths.
Ozigbo, a business tycoon, who a message issued to the media on Wednesday, commended Nigerian youth for their resilience and creativity despite the harsh climate in which the world is marking the 2020 International Youth Day.
“Nigerian youth operate in a society that has experienced huge political, social, and religious upheavals of the intensity that has destroyed nations. But here we are in Nigeria, held together by one of the most populous and promising youth population. A population that has shown resilience and creativity that is uncommon on the continent. Nigerian youth deserve to be celebrated for standing out, standing strong, and insisting on a better future,” the respected business leader added.
Ozigbo, who is the founder of Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, also called on leaders in the country to recognize the power of the youth population and back up youth-centred policies with funding to enable Nigeria to transform through the power of the youth.
The frontline governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Anambra 2021 poll maintained that “Our youth are capable of competing effectively with youth from any part of the world. This is evident in the reports of academic record-setting by Nigerians in universities around the world. In sports, entertainment, technology, and business, there is an undeniable imprint of the Nigerian youth in the global space. I call on leaders in Nigeria, at all levels of government, and in the corporate world to stand up for the youth.
“Back up their creative and youthful energies with the right policies and funding to give them the necessary lift that will truly transform Nigeria into her rightful place of pride in the global community.”