Dr Olakunle Soriyan has urged Nigerian youths to take responsibility for their future. The US-based author spoke at the third annual conference of the Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative. The event held in Abuja on Saturday. The theme was “Rise Up Patriots.” Soriyan said young Nigerians must understand that their future depends on their decisions.
Nigeria’s youth population is over 70 million. Unemployment is high. Many graduates struggle to find jobs. The government has launched skills programmes. Civil society groups have organised mentorship events. The message of self-reliance is common. Soriyan’s intervention adds a different emphasis. He argues that entitlement is a trap. He says capacity building is the answer. The message resonates with some. Others point to structural barriers. The debate is old. The conference is a platform.
Soriyan said Nigerian youths must build their capacity. “When you reach 18 years, you have lost all rights to entitlement,” he said. “The best thing you can do for yourself is to build your capacity.” Ambassador Hassan Tukur, a patron of URNI, urged Nigerians to act. “We must do more than sharing messages online,” he said. “We should choose one task within our reach daily to make Nigeria better.” Award-winning journalist Seun Okinbaloye urged citizens to hold public office holders accountable. “The market woman should ask questions about market levies,” he said. SP Orvenonne Ikwen of POCACOV advised youths to shun drugs, cultism and political thuggery. The conference drew students from several universities. It ended with a performance by Daddy Showkey.
Winners: The youths, who gained guidance. Soriyan, who gained a platform. URNI, which gained visibility. The speakers, who gained engagement. Losers: Those who rely on entitlements. Youths without access to mentorship. The system, if structural barriers remain. Critics who see the message as victim-blaming.
Bottom Line: Soriyan told youths to build capacity. He is right. The system is broken. But individuals must still act. The conference is a start. The youths must follow through.