The Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN Commission, Mr. Seye Oyeleye, has opined that Nigerians should be more interested in building the nation and upholding its democratic values than migrating to developed countries.
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| Director-General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye |
He made this disclosure on Wednesday while delivering his keynote address at the 32nd Tunde Oshobi Public Forum organized by Junior Chamber International University of Ibadan (JCI-UI) held at Dilay Consult Event Centre, Ibadan.
He spoke on the theme: "2023 Elections: Reshaping Nigeria's Future," noting that it is what young people do in their little space that contributes to the development of Nigeria.
According to Oyeleye, "Nigeria isn't what we're witnessing today. We have to rectify this and put young people on the right path. It is fashionable today for young people to want to JAPA (seek greener pastures outside the country), and that is because of the economic downturn the country has been experiencing in recent times.
"It is in our interest to ensure the rest of the people available in the country are assured of a better future in Nigeria. This country belongs to you (young people), and you need to hold it close to your heart. The country is stronger together than apart. When you decide to dispose safely, you have contributed to a cleaner Nigeria, he said.
He also stressed that if younger people of countries like the United Kingdom, where Nigerians seek solace, do not contribute to developing their countries, they will not be interested in migrating to such places.
Speaking on the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Oyeleye advised citizens not to be biased in choosing their leaders as good governance starts with them.
He said: "You are born free and, as such, free to support anybody. No country survives a religious crisis. When choosing your leader, choose wisely. 2023 general elections are a myth to put Nigeria back on the roadmap.
"Nigerians must understand that elections are won in polling units and that votes count." You must change the narrative of voting. You must go out and vote on election day.
Mr. Oyeleye, however, advised young people to devise means of participating in politics as well as volunteering in community service in order to develop their skills.
Earlier in his remarks, one of the directors of the program, Mr. Waheed Ojo, said the program has always been his vision and he is happy his dream has been realized.
He noted that the success of the program was beyond his expectations, as there were uncertainties during the planning because the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on an industrial strike for months.
Mr. Ojo stressed that the ASUU Strike almost disrupted the event as it was majorly for students, but he and his team were able to change the status quo by making it open to everybody and were able to organize the program outside the University of Ibadan.
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