Nigerian Youths are National Assets- Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung

Minister of sports and youth development, Solomon Dalung has described Nigerian Youths as national assets who should not be neglected by the society.

Solomon Dalung who stated this in his office in Abuja when he received members of Plateau Intelligentsia Development Initiative, an online group said any nation that must progress must invest in the future of its youths.

"The youth in every society are national assets. If a society ignores them into frustration of course that society has also produced a college of elder criminals in their advance ages. But if a society invests in their youths that society can beat its chest that it has a future".

"I have always been referring the youths to the experiences of Japan, After the second world war Nagasaki and Hiroshima was brought to rubbles, those who survived in Japan conglomerated and resolved that the only thing that was left was for Japan to invest in the future especially education and so every asset was mobilized for the development of the youths. Fifty years after, Japan became a world power"

Solomon Dalung who decried the manner in which the country's resources were mismanaged over a long period of time said it is important to prepare those who would manage different sectors of the economy in the nearest future.

The Minister however said there is hope for the youths under the present dispensation of President Muhammadu Buhari who has been consistent in his drive for a better future for the youths.

Convener of Plateau Intelligentsia development Initiative, Dr Daniel Meshak who led other members of the group on the visit agreed with the minister saying Nigerian youths deserve to take center stage in the scheme of things.

"Today as members of Plateau Intelligentsia, we come to celebrate with one of our members, so simple, down to earth and a voice who carries the hope of a generation, in the person of Solomon Dalung, the honorable Minister for Sports and Youth Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria".

"Permit me to formally congratulate the honorable Minister on your well deserved appointment as a member of the Federal Executive Council by President Muhammadu Buhari".

"For us in Plateau state, it is indeed a huge milestone and we consider it a springboard for the liberation and empowerment of Nigerian youths in general and Plateau youths in particular".

"It is our desire that Nigeria and Plateau state will be better for it at the end of your tenure in this onerous responsibility".

"PI is of the view that the Plateau and indeed the Nigerian youth being a key stakeholder in the Nigerian project deserve a better place in the economy, social political and technological advancement of our great nation".

Dr. Daniel Meshak also presented a proposal on how to combat the menace of drugs and substance abuse among Nigerian youths to the honorable Minister.

"PI is open to exploring areas of common interest and to partnering with the ministry of sports and youth development in achieving its set objectives"

Solomon Dalung who is also a member of Plateau Intelligentsia describes the group as one that has distinguish itself in terms of discourse that will drive the nation to greatness.