Caleb VC, Bakare say tapping youths' potential key to nation's growth
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
In-depth
Named sources
New plan
- Nigerian academics and religious leaders emphasized the critical role of developing youth potential for the nation's progress.
- Speakers at a book presentation argued that human capital development, focusing on character, competence, and creativity, is more vital than material wealth.
- They urged Nigerian youths to shift from a 'get-rich-quick' mentality to intentional self-development and continuous learning.
The deliberate development of human potential is the critical infrastructure for Nigeria's progress, according to prominent figures including the Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof Olalekan Asikhia, and the serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare. They made these remarks during the presentation of two books by Dr. Ayokunnu Olowoporoku.
The presentation of the books today is timely as it presents principles that govern moral conduct and meaningful life.
Asikhia and Bakare argued that the nation's advancement hinges on the quality of its developed minds. They called for Nigerian youths to move away from a "get-rich-quick syndrome" mentality and instead focus on becoming "development hubs" where character, competence, and creativity are intentionally cultivated. Asikhia noted that the presented books offer principles for moral conduct and a meaningful life, asserting that success is attainable through committed habits and leadership insights, not just luck.
The books argue that success is not accidental or reserve for a lucky few but for people who are committed with intentional habits and leadership insights.
Pastor Bakare urged young Nigerians to embrace self-leadership and lifelong learning to remain relevant. He believes the books will inspire a sense of responsibility and encourage action towards national development. Bakare lamented that despite Nigeria's potential, its "best mind" has been neglected, leading to a deficit in leadership. He stressed that human capital remains inadequately harnessed, and the books focus not only on knowledge and leadership but crucially on execution, urging everyone to contribute their part to national development.
The book will position us to think through on how to make Nigeria great. Our product excels significantly across the continents. Despite all these, our nation has refused to develop her best mind.
Dr. Olowoporoku, the author, explained that his books stem from a deep desire to transform human passion into tangible actions for the country's betterment. 'Lifewire: Philosophies for Daily Living' offers reflections to challenge conventional thinking and inspire wisdom-driven living. 'See it, Say it, Do it' simplifies achievement into a three-step philosophy: vision, declaration, and action, emphasizing that success begins when people move from intention to execution.
Human capital remain inadequately harness and that is why we have leadership deficit. The books not only centre on knowledge and leadership but on execution. Everyone should be aware of what it means to contribute their quota to national development.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
More Stories
From Our Blog
How the Same Story Looks Different in Different Countries
What Gets Lost (and Found) When News Is Translated
The Critical Role of Diaspora Media in Global News
What Travellers Should Know About Countries with Restricted Press
A Digital Nomad's Guide to Following Local News
