We’re responsible, not guilty for youth restiveness – Minister
By; Elekwachi Chinedum, Abuja.
Minister of Youths and Sports, Bar. Solomon Dalung yesterday accepted responsibility for the various vices perpetuated by the youths as a result of years of neglect by past administration but however said the present administration is not guilty of the youth frustration, pledging the readiness of the Buhari-led administration to address the numerous challenges facing the youth.
Speaking at the official handover by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry of Youth Development to him, Dalong appealed to the youths, who he described as the custodian of the new mandate of change to have confidence in the government through strong collaboration to guarantee their future.
“The challenges of youth development in Nigeria are not only critical but crucial. At this point of our national history, the youth are generally frustrated, resulting to their involvement to those things that are counterproductive to national development.
“Talk about political thuggery, we have the largest number of youth. In robbery and 419, our youth will give you their credential on why they are involved. The government is responsible but not guilty.
“We must admit that we can’t continue like that. We must put our heads together and find solution to rescue the youths. But they should be patience with this new era” he stated.
The minister assured the staff that his administration would be that of justice, fairness and equity, warning those who would approach him with bribe not to contemplate taking such step.
“The only bribe I will take is the bribe of justice, and anything short of it I will invite the law. If you bribe me with justice I will take it but anything short of it I will advise the law to look at it. Anything short of justice that you approach me with I will invite the law to determine the relationship of what you want to give me. Never try anything short of justice” he warned.
He however enjoined those who feel they have enough money for bribery to rather invest it in providing jobs and wealth creation for the youth.
Describing sports one of the unifying factor in the country, he said the role sport plays in national unity, peace and economic development cannot be undermined, adding that to sustain the present successes recorded, proper and timely training, planning and good welfare package will be imbibed in this tenure.
Dalung further said that he would pursue the welfare of those working with him to the latter cautioning that lateness and absenteeism will no longer be tolerated.
“The era of leaving office early is over. If you are leaving far away you wake up early and prepare for office because the excuse of ‘I miss the bus’ will no longer be accepted” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Christian Oha who handed over the documents to the Minister said the handover note arise from the input of different departments and agencies under the ministry.
