The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has urged Nigerian youths not to be despondent amidst present parlous challenges confronting the nation.
Onu gave the charge at the public presentation and launch of a book titled “Africa’s Security Challenges in the 21st Century”, written by Prof. Tunde Adeniran, former Minister of Education and former Nigerian Ambassador to Germany.
A statement by the Ministry’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr. Abdulganiyu Aminu said the Minister stated that Nigeria’s endowment with a bulging youth population is a national asset rather than a curse, adding that this asset needed to be converted for the economic benefits of the country.
Dr. Onu further said that the Ministry is geared towards giving appropriate skills to Nigerian youths to make them competitive, innovative and face the challenges of the world in the 21st century like their peers in other parts of the world.
He said effective utilisation of Science, Technology and Innovation into national life will propel Nigerian youths to achieve and be among the best in the world.
With 60% of her youthful population, Onu added, Nigeria is quite endowed compared to developed nations of the world who have a dwindling youthful population.
“Nigeria is destined for greatness, because of its teeming and resilient youthful population”, he added.
Dr. Onu, who was the special guest of honour at the event, said that for Nigeria to take her proper place among the comity of nations, the country needs to recover and renew the values of “honesty, hardwork and the pursuit of excellence.”
He described the author, Prof. Tunde Adeniran as an honest, hardworking person and a treasure to the nation. He added that the author has made many positive contributions to the academia, politics and the diplomatic world.
Earlier the reviewer of the book, Prof. Jideofor Adibe said that the book is a well detailed work relevant to scholars in security and social sciences, adding that it is written from an African perspective which would help in solving Africa’s challenges indigenously.
Present at the book presentation and launch were, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Sen. Ajayi Borrofice, Former Military administrator of Oyo state, Gen. Medayese Jemibewon, spokesperson for the Senate, Sen. Ajibola Bashiru, former Permanent Secretary, Amb. Godknows Igali and other notable personalities.
