Nigeria’s greatness lies in its human capital, not oil – Ezekwesili

A former Minister of Education, Dr  Oby Ezekwesili,  says  Nigeria’s  greatness  will emerge through human capital development programmes for youths and not oil  or solid  minerals.

Ezekwesili said this  in Abuja  at “ SHIFT,’’  an annual youth programme of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

The SHIFT initiative uses unconventional ways such as dancing, singing, comedy, innovation and empowerment that youths could  relate with to become  Christians.

The  programme,  which  attracted youths from the FCT, Plateau, Niger as well as Kaduna  and Nasarawa States,  had as  theme “ Creativity Unleashed.’’

She said such programmes would give youths a platform to showcase their hidden talents that needed to be unleashed and unlocked.

The former minister , however, advocated that youths should be supported  through public policy, right instructions  and investment  in education, health and other  social services.

According to her, supporting   youths  will enable  them to acquire skills needed for self reliance.

“The more we emphasise education, talents, diligence, values, the more we have youths that can face competition  with the rest of the world.

“ Youths are the present leaders of the country; if we don’t prepare them to become people who are able to actualise their utmost potentials, what happens will affect them,’’ she said.

The National Youth Minister of RCCG,  Pastor Precious Akingbade, urged   youths  to discover, develop and deploy their creativity to profitable ventures.

Akingbade advised them not to wait for the Federal Government to provide jobs for them when they could  enroll    in skills acquisition  programmes.