h with the President to discuss on a lighter mood, the future of the youths in the country. The guest list, which was strictly by invitation, was made up of young reporters, youth activists, bloggers, young entrepreneurs, Nollywood actors, designers, record label execs, etc. E-mails and SMS had circulated days before, inviting young Nigerians to the lunch.
So on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, Eko Hotels and Suites was swamped with popular young faces as they all lined up to get accredited to gain access to the hall where the lunch would take place. And as usual, the process was disorganized, as the officials had not idea of how to handle the mammoth crowd.
After much hullabaloo, the officials decided to call out the names on the ID tags, the bearers would then step up, claim their tags and fall into the hall. This took up to an hour.
Once in the hall, everything settled as guests took their seats and the President walked in heavily guarded. The National Anthem was sung and the host of the day, Rhythm 93.7 on-air-personality, Nanya went straight to the proceedings of the day. Nanya went on a small journey into the past highlighting the many positions that have been occupied by the youths, from Yakubu Gowon becoming the Head Of State 32 to other respected Nigerians who at a youn
g age had accomplished feats in their careers. Amongst the many things he highlighted about President Goodluck, was that the President’s Facebook fan page was the second most popular for a President, after US president Barrack Obama’s.
Another interesting fact was highlighted – apparently, there is a rock band based in the UK called Goodluck Jonathan. Nanya also made this known to the public; their posters were spread out on the stage too. A musical video was put up on the large screen for all to watch.
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Strategy, Oronto Douglas then welcomed and thanked everyone for coming through. He then called on popular youth activist Amara Nwankpa to moderate the ‘Issues and Voices’ session.
First, to speak was the president of the National 
Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ajani Olawale James who congratulated the President on his victory at the April polls. He also said he believed the President would never betray the youths. He advocated for the Minister of Youth Development to be a young individual. The crowd roared in agreement.
Rita Dominic stepped up to the podium to deliver an unconvincing speech; (honestly, people were more interested in what she wore rather than what she was about to say). She said she was happy that the country finally had a man that would listen to the youths and identify with their aspirations. She also requested that the resources of the country be made available to the youths.
Chocolate City C.E.O Audu Maikori took to the podium to talk about Electricity and Employment. He asked the audience which they would prefer – power or job opportunities. The former is what most chose. He said that nobody knows the importance of electricity more than the youths. How much had they involved the youths? Once the issue of electricity was solved, all other problems would be solved. On employment, he stated that there were no job environments.
Youth Activist Chude Jideonwo talked about the National Youth Service Corps and Corruption. He highlighted that many lives had been lost through the Youth Service program and that Nigeria needed a sharp break from the past and focus on restructuring the system.
A short break was observed for guests to have lunch while R&B singer Timi Dakolo took the stage to deliver his popular songs.
After a short while, TY Bello took to the stage to along with AMEMUSO choir to perform her ‘The Future’ song.
The Minister for Youth and Development, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi came up to thank the youths and also assured them that ‘Youth Issues’ would be tackled in the 36 states of the country.
President Goodluck then came up to address issues and answer a few questions; He thanked the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and other Senior dignitaries for attending the event. He stated that it was not a ‘Goodluck Jonathan’ or PDP meeting but for the youths. He let all the crowd know that the election showed the beginning of unity and change and after May 29, 2011, he would engage interactive sessions with busin
ess execs and the youth. The crowed cheered.
He challenged those who were present at the forum that they were also responsible for a robust economic growth. Amongst other things, he also stated that the Nigerian Defence Academy would open doors for the young Nigerian females to join the troops; as not only auxiliary but also that, it would not be a bad idea if we had fighter jets flown by women.
He also pointed out the economy had to make way for small-scale businesses to rise. Speaking about the Minister of Youth and Development he said ‘The minister is paramount about the youths, even though he is old’. Everybody including Goodluck shared a good laugh.
On the NYSC situation, the president insisted that it would not be scrapped explaining that solving any situation was in the pipeline. ‘You cannot scrap the NYSC, it’s a program that is helpful to the Nigerian youth. It exposes us to different cultures.’ Mr. President explained.
‘We have a listening president and we hope he will not betray us. He has given so many promises during the time of elections so this is the time of dividends. We are asking him not to forget all his promises and do according to all he has said while campaigning because it’s obvious the Nigerian youth voted for him irrespective of our affiliation‘ – NYCN president, Ajani Olawale James tells Nigerian Entertainment Today (N
ET).
‘This is the first time I’m performing in front of the president, I had a great time, a bit nervous but I enjoyed myself. I can’t predict the outcome of this forum but I hope I was able to inspire with what I did. For me, I think the Nigerian youths know what they want, we’ve made our voices known and it’s important that the government would at least listen to us. It’s a good beginning, I don’t think we should downplay it‘ – TY Bello.
I was told about two weeks ago that the president would like hear out the youths and that I was also to speak on a topic. I thought it was a good idea and chose to make it a date, after all it’s not every day you get to talk in front of the president. I found it easy speaking and driving home my point because I wasn’t talking to the president alone. I was talking to Nigerians. The outcome of the forum will be positive only if we drive it. Even the best intentions get lost in circumstances, however if we continue to push and push, I’m sure we’ll have a change‘ – Audu Maikori
‘I believe that Goodluck will deliver just like he said. We voted for him for a reason, there will be a positive outcome of this forum. I have been strongly behind the Goodluck team because I feel it’s just destiny being fulfilled. His just the right person we need up there‘ – Ini Edo
Credit: http://www.thenetng.com
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