AKURE/Nigeria: Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has urged Nigerians to brace themselves for a population surge in accordance with the United Nations’ projections.
He made this statement in an address at the presentation of Lion Dr. Kofoworola Iyabo as Lions Club District 404 A-4 District Governor, in Akure, Ondo State.
Onyeme, who chaired the occasion, emphasized the United Nations’ prediction that Nigeria would become the fourth most populous country globally by 2050, with an estimated 375 million people, with the youth comprising approximately 262 million of the population.
As he remarked, “From today, year 2050 is twenty-seven years away, so, which type of leaders are we going to have in the year 2050? How are we preparing our youths for future challenges and what measures are we putting in place for them to be positively engaged at all times?”
Highlighting the importance of investing in youth development, Onyeme shared Delta State’s commitment to empowering its youth through various programs, including sporting competitions, skill acquisition initiatives, and incentives for higher education. He underscored the need for proactive measures to ensure that the youth are well-prepared to face the challenges of the future.
Lauding the Lions Club for its dedication to youth empowerment and skills acquisition, Onyeme encouraged members to support the establishment of youth-focused programs.
The Deputy Governor noted that Lions Club International, founded in 1917, is the world’s largest service organization, with over 1.5 million members across 70,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and regions.
Reflecting on his own tenure as a District Governor in 2018, Onyeme recalled the theme “Empowerment Through Service” and the club’s focus on positively impacting the marginalized in society. He recounted various initiatives, such as free healthcare services, education support, and environmental projects, undertaken during his term.
The Deputy Governor, stressed the pivotal role of youth development, stating, “No government can toy with the development of the youths. This is because it is what the youths are equipped with that they implement when they grow up.” He invoked Proverbs 22:6 from the Holy Bible, emphasizing the importance of guiding and training the youth for a prosperous society.
He urged attendees to contribute to the youth empowerment and skills acquisition centre, emphasizing that their collective efforts would help shape a better future for the nation.
