ESLF FOUNDER EXHORTS BENUE YOUTHS AT IYD 2019
International Youth Day (IYD) is a remarkable event for youths across the globe as a result of the significant focus it brings to addressing issues and challenges that border on the self-actualization and non-inclusion of youths in the development of their communities.
It was during this year’s celebration of the UN declared International Youth Day in Benue State, as organized by the State Government, the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF) and Ztrix Systems Ltd. that the Founder/Chairperson ESLF Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom, admonished Benue youths to be steadfast and resilient in developing themselves.
Dr. Ortom stressed that while we address such issues, we should also acknowledge that despite the challenges youths face, they also have good strength and talents that should be appreciated. She pointed out that many of such youths have, against all odds, made it possible to rise above challenging circumstances to make a name, not just for themselves, but their societies, communities, families, states and nations as was evident in the three awardee celebrated at the Benue event in recognition of the sterling achievements they had realized in their respective endeavors.
She noted that the feat achieved by the awardees was an indicator that, every youth could be something and better than where they were at present or even greater than any biggest name they had ever heard thereby surpassing any achievement that had ever been made.
The ESLF founder expressed delight that the youths honoured her invitation to attend the forum, and noted with pleasure that while discussions were being made the world over about the challenges they face, as it pertains to the educational sector especially in Nigeria, the bone of contention however was how to maximize the many available opportunities.
These discussions she stated, prompted stakeholders to resolve to set better standards in the educational system for the youth. She further asserted that the overall development of a young person was not solely dependent on just going to the best schools or being taught by the best teachers, but also the responsibility of the individual to build a reputable character for themselves.
She admonished that irrespective of inadequacies in the system, youth should draw that inner strength and remain self-motivated to achieve greatness against all odds.
She opined that, even those who stand out in the developed nations did not attain that height easily but due to their resilience and persistence in self-development. She charged youths to be selective of what they feed their minds with, noting that “you can only bring out that which is within you”.
She said since Benue youths have vital roles to play, she appealed to them to be encouraged by efforts that stakeholders put together to help them have a brighter future.
She admonished that while they make efforts to educate themselves, youths should remember that “education without character is nothing and “whatever attitude you exude tells of your kind of person. Creativity should be sort after to bring about innovations that impact positively to one’s self and their society and this must be accompanied by that strong will to shun all forms of social vices in order to avoid being perpetrators and victims of same”.
Dr. Ortom rounded off by saying, even though there was a desire by youths to be given responsibilities, the issue lies in repositioning themselves and being well prepared to take on those responsibilities because they are the hope for the future. She however encouraged the youth to own this process of interaction so that, at the end of it all, the government and all relevant stakeholders will get a true grasp of the situation and work towards providing long lasting solutions.
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