Mr Joseph Stafford, outgoing Consul-General of the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, said on Thursday that Nigerian youths had the capacity to contribute to the country’s overall development.
Stafford told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the past two years of his assignment in the country afforded him the opportunity to interact with many Nigerian youths.
“Within the last two years of my official assignment as Consul-General, especially during our youth empowerment programmes, I have come to find Nigerian youths to be highly intelligent, energetic and committed.?
“They are more than ready to learn, read and make meaningful contributions to the overall development and general well-being of their nation,'' he said.
The consul-general, however, noted that all the youths needed was governments’ political will to create the enabling environment for harnessing their potential.
Stafford, therefore, urged the various levels of government in the country to evolve educational and economic empowerment programmes for youths in their various communities.
The U.S. official said: “One sure way of reducing terrorism, religious violence and other social vices is through youth empowerment programmes.
“It is important in every society for the youths to have a sense of hope and belonging.
“They need good education. They deserve a chance at good jobs, to raise families in the right environment and to live responsibly.''
The consul-general lauded government agencies, individuals, communities and private organisations in the country on the cordial relationship that existed between them and the consulate during his period of assignment in the country.
Stafford, who is leaving the country in June, urged them to extend similar support and cooperation to his successor, stressing that relations between Nigeria the U.S. should be sustained.
“Nigeria is currently the United States’ largest trading partner in Africa and a lot of Nigerians travel to the U.S.
“We will continue to be partners in progress in the years ahead. We have come a long way,’’ he added.
?
?