The Vice President Kashim Shettima encourages graduates in the country to tap into their potential and play an active role in contributing to the development of a prosperous future for Nigeria, advising them to avoid seeking opportunities abroad.
The directive was communicated through a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, on Wednesday.
Shettima issued the charge during a visit by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Gbajabiamila led the graduating class of the second cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative to meet the Vice President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Vice President encouraged the graduates to reject disillusionment and discover the untapped potential within Nigeria. He urged them to refrain from engaging in mass migration to other countries, a phenomenon commonly known as “japa.”
“Let no one make you feel inferior as a Nigerian. One out of every four black men is a Nigerian. Let no one deceive you that the grass is greener at the other end. Certainly, we can make it green on our home turf,” he said.
While recognizing the existing challenges in the country, Shettima articulated a determined vision for surmounting them. He affirmed that Nigeria would prevail over difficulties, navigate metaphorical obstacles, and usher in a era of opportunities and blessings.
“Our country is going through some difficulties and challenges, but we are going to surmount it. We are going to cross the Rubicon. We are going to cross the Red Sea and take you to the land of opportunities and blessings,” the vice president added.
He praised the graduates for their digital prowess and urged them to utilise their skills for national development. He challenged them to stay and contribute to the progress of the country, stating, “This is our country. The future belongs to you.”
Shettima redirected the emphasis of leadership from physical strength to intellectual agility, emphasizing that the genuine essence of leadership resides in devising effective solutions to national challenges. He displayed confidence in the nation’s capacity to recover and urged the graduates to eschew negativity.
“Their digital skills, combined with their newfound sense of purpose and national pride, have the potential to transform the nation’s landscape, and certainly we can make it green on our home turf,” he added.
In reply, Gbajabiamila, the founder of the LMI program, praised the outstanding qualities of the graduating class and underscored the importance of intergenerational mentorship. He expressed optimism about their potential to accomplish greater achievements than previous generations.