By Franca Ofili

No fewer than 800 young Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones have participated in a competition to design policy initiatives to solve national challenges.

Mr Ayokunnu Ojeniyi, Founder, Future Pathways Development Initiative, an NGO, disclosed this at an event tagged, Policy Conference for Youths and Awards Ceremony, held in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the initiative was designed to inspire youths to proffer evidence-based policy solutions to critical national issues.

Ojeniyi said the goal of the initiative was to raise national consciousness, reminding young Nigerians that they do not have to wait to achieve their dreams

He encouraged the youth to cultivate the habit of hard work and remain focused in order to build a better future.

Ojeniyi urged all levels of government to inspire young Nigerians to believe in the nation and revive hope in the Nigerian dream.

“Let us have our own Nigerian dream, where every young person can aspire and become whoever they want to be, irrespective of their background,

“If we keep emphasising how bad the environment is and claim young people can’t succeed, we’re only paving the way for worse outcomes,.

“Although, the environment might be challenging, young people still have the potential to succeed,” he said.

Ojeniyi said the conference would feature the grand finale, where the winner would receive the prize and other participants would be awarded cash prizes and internships for exemplary performances.

Also speaking at the event, Mr Dapo Oyewole, Special Adviser on Development Planning and International Affairs to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasised the need to restore hope in Nigeria youths.

“There is no future without the youth. We must empower them to rise as far as their hearts can take them,” he said.

Oyewole urged leaders to cultivate national pride and aspiration among young Nigerians.

“As leaders, we must give young Nigerians a reason to dream. The same dream that is possible in America can be a Nigerian dream too,” he said.

He further encouraged young people to continuously invest in their personal growth and education.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru