As the growing complexities of unemployment continue to threaten the capacity development of the youth, hampering the growth and development of the nation, NASFAT has emphasised the importance of capacity building to the empowerment of youth and reduction of poverty.
At the 20th yearly symposium of NASFAT Youth Wing (NYW) Ipaja Branch, themed, ‘Strategic Engagement for Youths Self Reliance and Capacity Development’, the Secretary NYW, Sheriff Ganiyu, said youth over-reliance on the government to provide employment, infrastructure and basic amenities affects the economic sustainability of the country. Noting that the core purpose of the event was to encourage the youths to take advantage of the opportunities available.
He advised the youth to build resilience, acquire relevant skills and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
Lagos State House of Assembly Member, Abdulrahman Yusuf, advised Muslim Youth to cultivate the culture of studying the Holy Quran as it births new discoveries, adding that the importance of hard work and resilience is vital.
The Chief Missioner of NASFAT World Wide, Imam Maroof Onike said that Nigeria is blessed with numerous potential and Nigerian youths should endeavour to exploit it.
“Being the best should be an inspiration to the youths and having a contrary concept to this results from a lack of courage, confidence, focus and timidity. The socials should however be an advantage, not a distraction. Not being self-reliant with developed capacity means you’re not a member of NASFAT. Opportunities are all around, take advantage of them,” he said.
NASFAT Vice President, Prof. Rauf Aregbesola, said self-reliance is being able to think independently, have an identity and set and pursue a goal.
“Capacity development is achieved by developing a career structure, acquiring skills and execution and NASFAT encourages youth diversity.
Human Resources Business Partner (Commercial for Sub-Saharan Africa) at Reckitt, Alhaja Rasheedat Balogun, said managing distraction from social media had been a struggle. Noting that social media is a virtual world which takes its victim from the real world causing harm or frailty.”
A leadership coach, Siraju Bokinni, said the youths are not ready to lead, both individually and corporately. He encouraged youths to groom themselves and stop running away from the hard work needed to build a career.
Deputy Director, Financial Services, ICAN, Alhaji Shakirudeen Balogun, mentioned that honesty and integrity are the key factors of earning trust to be a leader. “You don’t just aspire to be a leader, you work for it. As a youth, build long-term goals and pursue it leaving short-term goals, “ he said.
-Guardian
