The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, has called on Nigerian youths to think outside the box to overcome challenges confronting the country.
He made the call when he embarked on inspection of facilities at the National Youth Service Corps, Paiko, Niger state over the weekend.
The minister acknowledged that the Nigerian youth are confronted with so many challenges and expressed confidence in their ability to change the narrative.
He further said the future and prosperity of the country lies in the ability of Nigerian youths to harness available opportunities.
This was disclosed in a release signed and issued by the head, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Mrs. Maryam Umar Yusuf.
She said the minister noted that the key to a brighter and greater Nigeria lies in the hands of the youth as no other can move the country forward because the future belongs to them.
“If we cannot change the narrative now, when are we going to change it?” he asked.
Olawande recalled the hurdles he passed through to stand on his feet and assured that there is no height they could not attain through diligence and determination.
He said: “From my polytechnic to university education, I was the one that paid for my school fees despite the fact that my parents were civil servants.
“I went to study civil engineering due to my doggedness, and it was my experience while I was working as a labourer that prompted me to study civil engineering.”
The Niger state coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Abdulwahab Olayinka, expressed her joy over the visit of the minister.
