Don’t Lose Hope’: Amina Mohammed Calls on Youths to Use Skills to Build Nigeria

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has called on Nigerian youths to use their God-given skills and talents to build the country and stop the condemnation of situation in the country.

Mohammed was quoted as giving this advice at an event in Abuja over the weekend, in a statement signed by the National Information Officer, UN Office, Nigeria, Oluseyi Soremekun.

In the statement titled, ‘Be Proud of Nigeria, Don’t Condemn Her, Don’t Lose Hope’, DSG Amina J. Mohammed tells young Nigerians,” the UN top brass said:

“You have got education, you have the tools, and you have a huge future ahead of you, and you are condemning yourself before you start on that journey. Do not do that! Be proud of Nigeria your country; do not condemn her and do not lose hope.

“If you think Nigeria is worse than better, then how are you going to turn it around?” she asked, stating that: “If you do not want to build this nation, I do not know where you want to go. I can assure you the world is not ready to take 240 million Nigerians. Therefore, let’s think about how to salvage it together.”

She had words for the young men and women who are quick to compare Nigeria with other countries, asking them rather to compare Nigeria with other countries with equal population and that had independence at the same time.

She asked that: “Do not compare apples with oranges.”

She added that: “With every right comes an obligation to tell the truth. But the truth in many cases come in different colours depending on who is telling it. As an educated person, your statement has an impact on people’s lives. Some people take you seriously because you are educated and in the university.”

Mohammed counseled them to be sure of their statement and always weigh the implications of their words as there are opportunities to collectively make things better in Nigeria.

She said: “Young people must get involved. There is no reason to throw stones at any institution of government unless you are willing to get into that government and do something about it. It might take you a lifetime, but it does require people to make the sacrifice.”

She added that: “If enough of us are pushing in the right direction, there will be a big difference.”

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

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