As Nigeria marks its 65 Independence Day celebration, Nigerian youths have been called upon to embrace unity, show love for the country and have a sense of belonging irrespective of tribal and religious differences.
The call was made at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, 2nd edition of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration School Competition in Lagos.
Radio Nigeria Lagos Operations under the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, in partnership with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Foundation and the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, organized the 2nd edition of Nigeria’s Independence Day School Competition where Students from various schools gathered to mark the country’s 65 Independence anniversary.
In a welcome address, the Director Lagos Operations of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mrs. Bolanle Owoyemi, while acknowledging some developmental challenges, expressed optimism for a better Nigeria.
Mrs. Owoyemi, reminded Nigerians particularly the youths that nation building is a collective responsibility, stressing that every Nigerian youth must contribute and be dedicated in anything they do to move the nation forward.
She was represented by the Deputy Director News and Current Affairs, Radio Nigeria Lagos Operations, Mr. Shaka Braimah.
“The youths are the future of the nation, if they are not well positioned, they might not be able to take off from the present leaders. The future of the country lied in the hands of the youths.” He said.
In a message to the gathering, the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation LTD, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, who was represented by the Foundation’s Assistant Technical Adviser, Mrs. Eno Ekon, called on the youths to show love and patriotism to their motherland.
Love your country, be patriotic and contribute your quota to make sure that Nigeria is great.
Because this is our motherland, we have to make it work so every child can grow up and become a positive contributing factor to the society at large.
“On its part and on behalf of the Director, Chief Social and Behavioral Change of the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Mrs. Maria Ihuoma, noted that UNICEF is partnering Radio Nigeria because of its passion for Children particularly the Nigerian youths as the country marks its 65 years Independence.
Mrs. Maria Ihuoma wants the youths to be positive and hopeful that Nigeria would be great again.
“Nigeria is a country that is full of potentials, both human and natural resources.
And we have vibrant youth population, Nigeria is great so the youths of Nigeria should have hope in this country that Nigeria would be great again.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Deputy Director Programmes of Radio Nigeria, Lagos Operations, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ajayi-ope, stated that the aim of the programme was to give the Children a sense of unity as citizens of Nigeria irrespective of their tribe and religion.
We put this programme up for Children just for them to have a sense of belonging, for them to really feel that Nigerian oneness, unity, togetherness.
And you know our motto says, ‘Unite The People and Uplift The Nation’ is a way for them to have that, unity and belonging that they are part of this country irrespective of tongue or tribe.” She said.
Some of the Students used the occasion to call on government at all levels to priotize education for the well-being of the young ones and the nation at large.
“Government should make Education affordable, more suitable for Children, government should bring the cost of education down, they should help them with educational facilities to help them learn more, we need Lab, Libraries, theatres for Art students and encourage education for all.
Participating Schools at the Independence Day School Competition are Modesty-Ville College, De-Great Renovators School, New Ocean International School and Best Top Dynamic School, all in Lagos.
Highlights of the Independence Day School celebration were March past competition, art competition, cultural dance and presentation of prizes to winners.
Reporting by Victor Okiche