‘FG needs youth to achieve Vision 2020’

Kunle Awosiyan, Lagos

School children at a symposium in Lagos,
recently.For the Federal Government to achieve its vision 2020 goal, it must build and rely on the young adults of the present generation. That was the resolve of the pupils and speakers at a seminar organised by the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria(APEN).

 APEN invited the 2009 role model of the popular year book, ‘We are the future of our nation,’ Mr. Tonye Cole, to speak on the topic, “Yes, I can,” at a seminar to mark this year’s Children’s Day.

 First to speak was the President of APEN, Dr (Mrs) Olufemi Ogunsanya, who believed that the country could only achieved its goal of becoming one of the 20 most developed economies in 2020 if it could adequately prepare its youths now.

 To her, most of the so- called leaders at present may not be available to build the economy of this country in the nearest future, but their children, whom ought to be trained, groomed and exposed to the challenges ahead are in the best position to do so.

She advised that while the present crops of leaders are busy building infrastructure, they should not forget to provide the best education for their children.

 “We must not forget to build human capacity through quality education and revival of good values that made this nation great in the past,” she submitted.   She charged the pupils not to run away from responsibilities, saying “you must be ready because the future of this country belongs to you, but not those who are at the helms of affairs now.”   

 In his submission, the guest speaker, Managing Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Tonye Cole, who chose to address the pupils as adults, said that it was the responsibility of the pupilsto make the country great.    He tasked each pupil to begin to think of what role he or she could play to make Nigeria one of the best 20 economies in the world by 2020. As he put it, “As future leaders, what role then do you have to play in changing the face of business in Nigeria, in rebuilding our national image; one that we can all justifiably take pride in? So, now you ask yourself, what difference could I possibly make.”

 He explained that it took just one Wole Soyinka to change the literary landscape of the country, and one Dora Akunyili to introduce pharmacovigilance.

 He said, “Henceforth, you must see yourselves as brand ambassadors of Nigeria, driving forth the revolution of nationalism. A Nigeria that will once again rise up to its pseudonym; a giant of Africa and perhaps someday of the world.”

 Cole’s speech did have effect as revealed by the students’ body languages. In his poem, “Yes, I can,” Seun Oladapo of Grace School, Gbagada, sounds boldly that the country will rise again—”We will make a positive choice to change the course of the nation.”

 To Yemi Abdul, the country is in darkness at present. He said, “There is one thing the government needs to do and that is providing electricity. If we have stable electricity, I believe things will begin to work for us.”

 Abdul stated that if he had the opportunity of leading the country, the first problem he would tackle would be electricity. “Our major problem is electricity. Once we get it right, other problems will vanish naturally. Insecurity, unemployment, corruption and poor education are in the country. All these are no problems. They have come because we lack the basic infrastructure like electricity.”  

 Asked if she is given the opportunity to go and study abroad, Susan, a pupil of Vivian Fowler, said she would not go. “What are they doing there? Blessing comes from above, not abroad. If we can put our actions together, I believe Nigeria can be greater. For me, I’m ready to compete with any foreign student,” she said.