Nigerians have been called upon to always seek to impact the lives of others positively at all given opportunities.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, made the call in a message to the 3rd Annual OJN Symposium, a program organized to enlighten the youths on the need for them to make good marks in the society.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pharm. Abdulkareem Muhammed Jamiu Asuku, Governor Bello explained that the event was commendable as it afforded youths opportunity to be reminded of their roles in building a greater Nation – Nigeria.
He said the choice of Dr. Oladele John Niyi to organize the Symposium rather lavishing the resources on luxurious outings on his birthday was worth emulating, explaining that the lessons learnt during the event will go a long way at helping Participants make good choices that will help in building a more productive society.
“Ambassador Oladele John Niyi is a dependable ally, a resourceful youth, a pride of the Confluence State and the Present Administration
“You are celebrating your 34th Birthday today, I will say its been 34 years of purposeful living, 34 years of commitment and your life has been adding meaning to the lives others
“On my Birthdays as the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, I usually reach out to the widows, the needy, settle hospital bills and all that
“Today OJN has again organized another Symposium where topical issues of national interest are discussed and lives are being impacted
“To me, this is what birthday is about! I therefore urge all Nigerians to seek to impact the lives of others positively during Birthday celebrations and other significant occasions rather than lavishing resources without making impact
“By so doing, our Communities, the State and the Nation at large will be experiencing the positive transformation we seek” he said.
While stressing that Nigerian youths are ready to take the bull by the horn at utilizing leadership position for the good of all Nigerians, Governor Bello called on them to stay focused, committed and participate actively in politics geared towards changing the old narratives in the Country for good.
“As youths and younger generation, we cannot be discussing the solution to our problems if we don’t have a grasp of the genesis of those problems
“We must let go of all Political, religious and other affiliations before we can solve our common problems as a Country”
Governor Bello fingered Religion as the basis of all challenges bedeviling the Country today, saying indiscipline has eaten deep into the fabrics of the society – a development he opined should have been taught, preached and practiced by religious leaders, parents and opinion molders.
He said the Clergymen who are supposed to serve as tutors of good morals have been failing in their responsibilities, stressing that the present youths should not be wholly blamed for the current menace.
While calling on religious leaders to desist from teaching their congregations against hating people of other faiths, Governor Bello charged the people to also be committed to studying the holy scriptures to enable them receive the needed enlightenment for development.
The Number One Citizen of Kogi State expressed displeasure over the ill attitude of religious leaders, parents, Political leaders and the youths towards cultivating good morals, calling on all and sundry to stay alive to their responsibilities.
“Success is a ladder, only those with the right ATTITUDE can climb it” Governor Bello stressed.
On his part, the celebrant, Ambassador Oladele John Niyi (OJN), expressed gratitude to God over the successes recorded at the 2022 Edition of the 3rd OJN Annual Symposium.
OJN said the purpose of the Symposium was achieved in view of the quality of the topics treated and issues discussed, calling on Participants to become practitioners of the lessons learnt at the event.
OJN appreciated his parents for their efforts towards raising him and also appreciated the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for giving him platforms to operate.
“The OJN Annual Symposium is my own way of celebrating my birthday, impacting lives and the same time create a platform where we can discuss among ourselves especially the youths; topics and issues that affects the African Continent and the World at large
“Judging by the manner the Speakers did justice to the selected topics, the array of dignitaries,the large turn out of people and the various segments, I will say yes, the 3rd OJN Annual Symposium has achieved it’s purpose because the lives of many have been impacted through the program” OJN said.
Commenting on the 2023 Political dispensation in the Country, Dr. Niyi appreciated Nigerian youths over their large turnout to register for their Permanent Voters Cards nationwide and encouraged them to get their PVC and as well, perform their franchise in the coming elections.
Amb. Oladele John Niyi appreciated everyone who out of their busy schedules created time to attend the 3rd OJN Annual Symposium, calling on them to remain agents of change in the society.
The 3rd OJN Annual Symposium which was held at the Idrinana Hotel Event Hall, Lokoja – Kogi State Capital, featured Paper Presentations, Talk Show, Cutting of Birthday Cake, Award Presentation, Cultural and Musical displays, among others.
