Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has stressed the need for both employed and unemployed youths in the country, to acquire modern skills to be self-reliant, in view of the current and post Covid-19 pandemic era,
Obasanjo gave the charge at the official unveiling of a newly constructed building by the Yoruba Youths Forum, YYF, sponsored by its President, Gen. Abiodun Bolarinwa, located at Alagbado area of Lagos State.
Obasanjo, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, charged the youths to shun the normal practise of searching for white-collar jobs, but rather embrace skills acquisition, to effectively tackle present economic realities, as well as the post Covid-19 period.
According to the Elder Statesman, acquiring skills in different trades, like fashion and design, farming, shoe making, computer, phone repairing, among others, will go a long way in empowering them economically, than waiting for a monthly salary that is mostly irregular, coupled with the high risk of job insecurity.
Obasanjo said: “Learning handwork and many lessons, can make an individual stand-alone and provide for his or her needs, instead of waiting for a monthly salary that is not even sure.
“The youths must be relevant in today’s society, rather than sit idle in the absence of white-collar jobs.”
He commended Bolarinwa for his vision and tenacity in advancing the development of the youths in the South-West in particular, and Nigeria in general.
He therefore, advised the youths to avoid acts such as cultism, internet fraud, crime likely to tarnish and damage their reputation and image in the future, because such illegal acts do not last, but are full of regrets.
