Ezekwesili tags youths instrument of economic, social change

THE former World Bank Vice-President, Africa Region, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has tagged youth as instrument to viable economic and social change that governments must respect and invest on.Ezekwesili charged governments at all levels, that investing on youths was critical and a key component to good governance, especially in this modern day democracy as recent global survey had shown that youth generation around the world stands out as the most connected to the developments in international affairs.Addressing youths and journalists in Lagos over the weekend, she admitted that the contemporary Nigerian youth is faced with numerous challenges, pose threat to economic and social growth, and government is responsible for young to rising above the prevailing stage of despondency to critically take advantage of opportunities that are yet untapped in the country.According to her, 'the most appropriate response to this globally-connected generation of world changers is to convey to them that we trust them enough to let them lead us, invite them to share their dreams, affirm them in their desire to bring about change for good, validate them as leaders for today, and equip, resource and free them to lead.She said: 'We need to be their 'armour bearers', their champions, advocating for them as they step out into their vision and calling, defending them from the attacks that will surely come, believing in them when others don't and empowering them to be all that God has designed them to be.'The youth also, must fashion out the right strategies and ensure that they turn the prevailing sense of frustration into an economic and social advantage rather than wait endlessly for government to turn things around for them,' she said.
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