TRF: As a youth with vision, what can you do differently towards the Nigeria of our dream?
SUNDAY AKINRELERE: An average Nigerian will always have something to say about the Nigeria of our dream. There may be brilliant ideas while answering the question above as many Nigerians are known for theories, but sadly, they lack the implementation.
However, as a youth with vision, here are few things I can do differently (some of which I’ve been doing) towards the Nigeria of our dream:
The first thing is sensitization of people through my public speaking skills and capacity building. This, I have started, since 2014 under the umbrella of Anti- Social Vices Club in Ondo State, where I once served as the Coordinator. It is a platform for value reorientation where we sensitize people about the need to maintain the norms of the society and stay clear of societal vices. As a youth with vision who looks forward to a better Nigeria, I will continue to advocate for peace, justice, democracy, and good governance until I see a change, beginning from my immediate community to the larger society. As I advocate for a better Nigeria of our dream through public speaking and capacity building, I’m pretty sure that people of like minds will join me in this course, if I remain indomitable.
Secondly, as I look forward to the Nigeria of our dream, I will ensure I have a sustainable source of livelihood to cater for my family and to be a source of blessing to people who are in need. I shouldn’t expect our political leaders to do everything. I do not even need to have in abundance before I meet people’s needs, contrary to popular belief that one must be very rich before meeting the needs of people. I have my own quota to contribute to make a Nigeria a better place. With what I have and through my source of livelihood, I hope to invest my resources in Nigeria, and not outside the country. Nigeria is a fertile land; why investing in abroad? My investment in Nigeria will, in no doubt, contribute to the development of Nigeria. Apart from the fact that it will make the Nigeria of our dream possible, it will also serve as employment opportunities for the unemployed graduates.
Thirdly, and on a final note, as a youth with vision, if God permits, I plan to venture into governance via politics with the passion to make Nigeria great, and to serve as a voice to the voiceless. I may not be able to achieve the above without involving in politics. I must have a sustainable source of livelihood as I mentioned earlier before venturing into governance. It’s disheartening, nowadays, seeing many venturing into governance because of their selfish motives. I need to get involved in societal politics to make a difference; to serve as a role model to contemporary politicians; and uphold integrity in governance.
So help me God!
I’m Sunday Akinrelere.