By Cecilia Ogezi (Correspondent Abuja)
Against the backdrop that Nigerian youths have a challenge of identifying resources to support their development and sustainable growth, AfriGrowth Foundation, an organization that has been in the frontline of youth empowerment, has called for a concerted effort in both the private and public sector to invest in youths of the country.
AfriGrowth Foundation, since its inception, has been committed to youth capacity building through career expository seminars involving a number of potential employers who gather for the purpose of providing valuable information to aspiring employees on the career opportunities in their sectors of coverage and in their companies in general.
The president and founder of the organization, Mrs. Dayo Keshi, while speaking in Abuja recently about the programs they are currently working on, noted that the various projects training and research center will be continuous and impactful on youths over a long period of time. She added that the post-COVID-19 Nigeria has come with challenges that have made it necessary for both private and public sectors to look closely and offer palliative measures to support youths in the country,
Keshi further added that considering the demography of the youths in Nigeria, it is imperative to bring programs as a collective effort from the NGOs and government, to ensure that the youth are carried along. She stressed that it was important for the government and developmental organizations to strengthen their partnerships in programs that are impactful to society.
While pointing out that the youth are powerful change agents with enormous potential to bring about positive changes in the society, working for youths often challenging especially in identifying resources for supporting their continued work.
Keshi stated that "we have developed a list of latest grants that are specifically available for empowering youths around the world."
The AfriGrowth president explained that impacting the lives of the youths was a path she chose early in life, noting that society must create enabling environment for the youths to thrive as the demography of the youth is a clear indication that they are a key determinant for addressing social conflicts and achieving peace. She added that it reinforces the notion that is important for developing sustainable development.
Keshi further said that while she was in the ministry of culture, one of her portfolios was to increase Nigerian cultural bilateral relations which she did before retirement as Director, Bilateral Cultural Relations. In her opinion, Nigeria's culture can become its biggest infrastructural gift to its people.
She however explained that they brought in the Nigerian ambiance, whilst in the ministry titled: Embellishment of Nigerian Missions Abroad; Moving a lot of works of art to Nigerian embassies abroad. She stressed that the most fascinating thing about the project was that Nigerian artists were empowered as everything taken outside of Nigeria was made by Nigerian artists back home.
Keshi added that important offices in the country should have artworks, books, and paintings, as a way of appreciating the subtle Nigerian diplomacy. NNL.
