As the world marks the United Nations International Youth Day, Founder of the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD), Dr. Hillary Akpua, has called on Nigerian youth to be patriotic, shun drug abuse, and remain good ambassadors of the country wherever they are.
In a statement on Tuesday, Akpua urged young Nigerians to uphold the values of love, harmony, and inclusivity, celebrating the nation’s diversity while working together to build a more united and prosperous future.
“Our youths are the driving force of Nigeria’s future. Their creativity, resilience, and innovation are unmatched. But to truly harness this potential, they must stay focused, embrace education, and reject harmful vices such as drug abuse,” Akpua said.
He noted that Nigerian youth have made remarkable achievements in academics, sports, entrepreneurship, and community development, often standing out on global platforms.
“In recent years, Nigerian youth have demonstrated excellence on the global stage. From the Super Falcons clinching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, to D’Tigress dominating AfroBasket with consecutive championship wins, our sportswomen have shown the world the strength and spirit of our nation.
In the technology sector, young innovators are building world-class startups, developing fintech solutions that attract millions in foreign investment, and creating apps that are transforming lives across Africa. These victories in both sports and tech prove that our youth can compete and win anywhere in the world,” Akpua said.
According to him, these successes should inspire greater commitment to personal growth and national development.
The GAIYD founder stressed the need for government and stakeholders to provide young people with access to quality education, employment opportunities, and platforms to express their ideas, especially in the digital economy.
He encouraged youth to acquire relevant digital skills and leverage technology to create solutions that address societal challenges.
“We live in a digital age that offers boundless opportunities. Our young people must be equipped to compete globally, not just as job seekers but as creators of value,” he added.
Akpua also called for more community forums and policy dialogues where young people can voice their opinions and contribute to decision-making processes. He emphasised that special attention must be given to the boy child, whose growth and development are often overlooked in empowerment programmes.
“The boy child faces unique challenges that, if left unaddressed, can impact the family and society at large. We must provide him with the guidance, support, and opportunities he needs to thrive,” he said.
Akpua, who is also the CEO of Hillmira Group, a conglomerate with interests in real estate, development, capacity building, export, production, and general contracting, reaffirmed GAIYD’s commitment to nation-building through youth empowerment.
He said the organisation’s vision is to raise a generation of responsible, skilled, and visionary leaders who will transform Nigeria.
He concluded by urging government at all levels, as well as corporate and community stakeholders, to make youth development a top priority, saying, “An empowered youth is the foundation of a great nation.”