By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, has admonished young Nigerians to key into the Renew Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led administration and be be part of the solution providers.
Ndace made the call when the Young Africans Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network in Nigeria and Female Journalist Network Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit on Monday in Abuja.
According the VON D-G, the institute usually engage the youths on monthly basis, because, it appreciates and recognises raw talent.
“We cannot move forward if we are not part of the solution in solving the challenges facing the country. It could be government, associations, Civil Society Organisations, etc.
“We need to partners, synergise and collaborate in moving the country forward. There is need for all young Nigerians to key into the Renew Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
“By doing so, all of us will participate in taking the country to the promise land that we all desired. I encourage you to keep up the good work that you are doing. You are raw talents in galvanising young talents, ideas and show casing them to the world.
“VON has programmes to encourage young people to thrive and show case the positive narratives. We will offer all our platforms to you,” Ndace pledged.
He further explained that Nigeria is doing a lot in Gulf of Guinea and therefore the need to broadcast in more languages to cover the areas.
On the issue of fake news, Ndace stressed that VON remained committed to broadcasting credible content and checkmating fake news about Nigeria and Africa.
“President Bola Tinubu did not promised to solve all challenges in Nigeria, however, he has offer young people various opportunities in form of Student Loan and other programmes to excel in their endeavours.
“I also want to advise you not to join people who always criticise and try to pull the country down. There is no country in the world that is perfect. Each country has its own challenges including our dear country, Nigeria.
“Please, esure that, the people you will bring to your workshop are the ones that will be constructive in their criticism, not the ones that will condemn, incite and cause division and acrimony.
“Also, there is need to talk to young people on the responsible use of the social media. Hate speech and negative narratives in the social media is not good for our country; it should be discourage.
“I want to thank Tinubu for giving us the opportunity to serve the country and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohamed Idris for providing the needed leadership,” Ndace said.
Speaking, the National Head of YALI Network Nigeria, Mr Daniel Black said he was at VON to solicit support from the organisation.
“As part of our mandate in preparation for the 63rd Session of the UN in New York in February, 2025, we are to organise a Social Development Workshop to engage Civil Society Organisations and various Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“The idea is to have a robust conversation on social development in Nigeria and make a report to present at the 63rd UN in New York,” Black said.
He also expresses the willingness of YALI to partner with VON in mentorship programmes for young people.
Similarly, the President of Female Journalists Network Nigeria, Dr Joy Asonye appreciated Ndace, stressing that, the opportunity given to them by VON would not be taken for granted.
