By Cosmas Omegoh
Managing Director of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Eric Osagie has said genuine concern for youths is important for holistic nation-building.
Osagie also said giving youths jobs and guarantying their tomorrow would effectively sway them from vices.
He stated this when he received members of the African Youth Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYICRIP) in his office in Kirikiri, Lagos.
Members of the organization, led by their Executive Director and Founder, Chris Ibe, were in Lagos to present The Sun boss with Crime Prevention Personality Award for his forthrightness and commitment to the welfare of youths over the years through his works in the media.
Making the presentation, Ibe said: “Having followed your antecedents over the years, it was our considered opinion that you have made remarkable contributions to the welfare of youths of this country through your works. That is why this award goes to you and that’s why we are here to appreciate you.
“We are here also to urge you to continue to speak out on issues that concern Nigerian youths. It is through the effort of people like you that the roots of democracy in this country will be deepened. That is very important.”
In his reponse, Osagie, who thanked the group for their vision stated that “for me, this award, coming at this time, is more than silver and gold.
“This is because I’m one person sorely worried about the future of the next generation of Nigerian youths. I’m deeply concerned about their future development. Their quality represents the true quality of the Nigerian nation.
“To tell you the truth, every government in this country can pave the roads, but not the minds. How to build the Nigerian mind is the key. That is where it becomes important to focus on building the capacity of Nigerian youths. And when we fail to do this, we see them veering into crime and engaging in yahoo, yahoo.”
While thanking the group for its initiative he said: “By pursuing a vision to remould Nigerian youths, you are building the society.
“If any government focuses on building infrastructure and forgets to build the minds of the youths, it will only succeed in creating monsters.
“That ought to be our concern now. But, unfortunately, our society does not give a damn about this.”
He then urged the group to be steadfast in its commitment, noting that “it is the value that you place on yourself that matters,” using his brief experience in government as an example. thing dies for everything.
“If, therefore, there is anything you want to do with Nigerian youths, count me in.”
The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of the award plaque and a photograph with the group.