*Nigeria @61: Our Youth Holds The Promise To A Brighter Future - Sunday Dare*

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the nation's 61st Independence Anniversary stating that the Youth are vital to the nation's resurgence and prosperous future.

In a chat with newsmen, Dare declared that Nigeria's journey to nationhood has been remarkable thus far, despite challenges, emphasising that Nigerians across her length and breadth have held on quite tenaciously to the union, pulling through at times the country was close to the precipice - during the civil war, and in the aftermath of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections.

"Across our country, our dynamic youth have led the renascence. From Entertainment, to Sports, to Tech, to Industry to SMEs, they have held sway in unity, breaking the barrier of primordial considerations that has held us down to excel, and showcase the can-do Nigerian spirit" .

"In the movie industry for instance, we have seen flicks featuring Ali Nuhu, Rahama Sadau from the North, Bucci Franklin and Bimbo Ademoye from the South, coming together to make magic and put Nollywood on the global pedestal. Language, religious or tribal difference have not been able stymie their ascendancy", the Minister added.

Speaking further, Dare affirmed that the same spirit of camaraderie can be seen in Sports. "We forget our differences when Nigeria is on the pitch. That bond that unites us at those moments hold the promise to build this nation, better and greater, and our youth are pivotal to achieving this".

"Our youth between the ages of 18-35 represent the most active segment of our populace and constitute about 52% of registered voters. It therefore suffice that they can achieve anything they set out to do provided they put their hearts to it and are determined".

"That is why at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, we are equipping the Youth for the now and the future. Programmes like the Digital Literacy, Enterpreneurship Employment Leadership (DEEL), Work Experience Programme (WEP), Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), Adopt-an-athlete initiative amongst others, with hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries across the country are tailored to empower the youth, assist with required financing and leverage, to achieve their potentials", Dare asserted.

Charging the Youth to lead the way in nation building, the Minister posited that, "on the occasion of our nation's 61st independence anniversary, Nigerian youth must lead the resolve to be the change we need. It starts with everyone doing what it is right in their sphere of influence, taking part in politics and governance process and exalting national interests above primordial or sectional considerations".

Like the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is wont to say, " we are stronger together". Our unity in diversity is our greatest strength. Let's listen to each other, build a consensus to make our union work - our youth holds the ace to make this feasible, the Minister concluded.

Smh

God bless Nigeria