Uyo – Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom on Wednesday advised youths in the state to be responsive and focused, saying they were no longer leaders of tomorrow, but leaders today.
Emmanuel gave the advice while addressing youths in commemoration of the 2015 International Youth Day, which was celebrated with the theme `Youth Civic Engagement’.
“Let me announce to you that whoever thinks that you are the leaders of tomorrow is wrong; your leadership begins today, we have brought your future to you today.
“It is a vision we shall sustain and jealously guard. Your future is here for good and you must seize the moment.
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“We did not wait till the future to send the first batch of 100 youths to Israel for a two-fold programme of skills acquisition and religious exercise.
“We did not wait till the future before we entered into partnership with automobile giant in Israel to train our youths in that money-spinning industry,’’ he said.
Emmanuel said that he believed in their potential and was determined to make sure that the policies of his administration favour them.
The governor said that the Caretaker Committees he recently constituted for the 31 Local Government Areas of state included youths.
“Or is it the constitution of the State Executive Council that preceded it?
“In fact, let me not be misunderstood if I say here today that this is a government of the youth by the youth and for the youths,’’ he said.
Emmanuel said that if the youths were rightfully placed, it would be easy to get the entire state right.
He promised not to disappoint the people who freely gave him the mandate.
“Your mandate is in safe hands and would remain sacrosanct, no matter the machinations of the opposition,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Monday Uko, urged the youths to shun vices and unwholesome behaviour that could affect their future.
Uko urged them to support the governor in his efforts to develop the state. (NAN)
