The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerian youth to look beyond culture, ethnicity, and religion in relating with one another in the interest of the unity of the country.
He also urged them to embark on more travels, mingling, tolerance and negotiations to appreciate the country’s rich diversity.
The president gave this advice when he received members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in his country home, Daura, Katsina State yesterday during the Sallah celebrations.
According to Mr Buhari, a regular interface and a broader vision of Nigeria as a whole will improve relationships, especially among the youth.
The president’s media aide, Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja, quoted Mr Buhari as saying: ‘Thank you so much for coming to see me. I have been away from home since Sallah celebration a year ago. And my attention has been on Nigeria, which is more significant than my town.’
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He went on to add that; ‘Every time I meet former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, I always thank him for the NYSC, which helps people to move all over Nigeria.
‘Before the NYSC there were people who had never moved out of their locality.’
The President pointed out that the scheme broadened the horizon for many over the years and reduced the tensions and misunderstandings that exist between strangers.
‘When I joined the army, I was posted to Abeokuta and then Lagos. And I have travelled all over Nigeria,’ he added.
Mr Buhari called on the youth corps members to keep expanding their views on life and opportunities, and avoid the limitations of culture, ethnicity, and religion by exploring technology to network, even beyond borders, ensure personal development and a more competitive means of livelihood.
‘We are reaching a time where you don’t have to get education and start looking for government jobs.
‘What happens when government job is not there? You get educated and equip yourself for bigger opportunities, mostly provided by technology,’ he said.
The president said the youth and all Nigerians must learn to live together with one another.
In his remarks, the Corps Liaison Officer (CLO), Douglas Damina, thanked the president for encouraging the sustenance of the NYSC and promoting youth inclusiveness and empowerment.
Mr Damina told the president that the corps members had achieved a lot in community development, renovating three motor boreholes, training 350 youth in various skills, and encouraging proper hygiene, especially among women.
Africa Today News, New York gathered that the president donated two bulls, 10 rams and ₦1 million to the corps members for the celebration.