- Greets Professor Ropo Sekoni at 80
- Mourns Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro
On the occasion of the 2023 International Youth Day, President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths.
From job creation, education and skills development to digital innovation, financial technology, and youth participation in governance, President Tinubu emphasized that youth empowerment is a fundamental pillar of all reform actions being implemented across sectors, in order to create an environment where Nigerian youths can thrive and contribute to the growth and development of the nation.
His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement on Saturday that the President acknowledged the growing interest and impact of many young Nigerians in technology-related fields the world over and vows to honour his campaign commitment of generating one million new jobs in the digital economy for their upliftment and national economic development more broadly.
He said the President strongly believed in the principle, “to whom much is given, much is expected,” and remains undeterred in his focus on delivery.
“As agents of change, President Tinubu urges the youth to champion national progress, unity and collective prosperity for all citizens of our beloved country.
“In tandem with the theme of this year’s event: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” the President implores young Nigerians to spearhead efforts aimed at achieving the highest quality of sustainable development, which will shape the future of our planet in conformity with his agenda of expanding green job opportunities and advocating for renewable energy solutions as an integral part of Nigeria’s current and future energy mix.
“On this International Youth Day celebration, the President assures the younger generation that his administration will consistently engage with and listen to them with a view to implementing their important and forward-looking feedback.
“Highlighting his commitment to active listening and engagement, President Tinubu notes that the enactment of The Student Loan Act and the provision of buses to the Student Bodies of all Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education nationwide stand out as tangible examples of his administration’s responsiveness.
“The President heartily extends his best wishes to all Nigerian Youth on this joyous International Youth Day Celebration,” the spokesman said.
In another development, President Tinubu has poured encomiums on renowned Professor of Semiotics and African Literature and his longstanding associate, Professor Ropo Sekoni, as he attains 80 years of age.
While acknowledging the important contributions of Professor Sekoni to the restoration of democracy in Nigeria and the global body of knowledge, the President wishes him many more years to witness the new Nigeria that is underway.
“Today, I celebrate and congratulate my friend, comrade and longtime associate, Professor Ropo Sekoni, on his 80th anniversary. Attaining 80 years of age is a wonderful gift from God. I join his family and our mutual friends on this important milestone. Together with other pro-democracy activists, Professor Sekoni and I fought stridently at home and abroad for the termination of military rule and rebirth of democracy in our land following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election. Professor Sekoni was a leading light in that struggle. He is also a sounding board and an invaluable support system for us in government,” the President affirmed in another statement by Ngelale.
The President recognized the glory of God in the life of the respected academician.
“We are grateful to God that He has made it possible for Professor Sekoni to attain this important age in good health and we pray to the munificent God to grant him more years to witness the new Nigeria we are building together wherein peace, security and prosperity shall reign supreme,” he said.
President Tinubu has also expressed sadness by the news of the passing of Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro.
He extended his deepest condolences to Ambassador Laro’s family, the diplomatic community, as well as the government and people of Kwara State.
The President recognized Ambassador Laro’s tireless dedication in fostering mutually-beneficial diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France during his tenure, noting his commitment to diplomacy and the impactful role he played in ensuring the success of the President’s visit to France in June this year, which was the President’s first foreign trip following his assumption of office.
“Having devoted himself fully to his duties during 35 illustrious years in service as a Nigerian diplomat, spanning from 1983 to 2018, President Tinubu remembers Ambassador Laro’s profound grasp of geo-political intricacies and how he aptly harnessed his wealth of skill and experience in multilateral diplomacy to advance worldwide peace, security, and development.
“The President affirms that the appointment of the Fellow of the National Defence College as an Ambassador in July 2020 to represent Nigeria in France was in recognition of his widely respected expertise and dedication.
“Our nation has lost an exemplary diplomat. I will always hold cherished memories of my interactions with him during my attendance at the New Global Financial Pact Summit in France this June. His unwavering dedication and strong sense of duty left an indelible mark. May his legacy continue to inspire us to strive for a more harmonious and prosperous world,” the President said.
He prayed that Almighty God would continue to console Ambassador Laro’s family, friends, and colleagues while granting eternal rest to the departed soul.
