Mimiko gets Peace Ambassador Award, warns against de-marketing Nigeria

ONDO State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has charged Nigerians not to loose confidence and hope in the nation because of her present challenges, insisting that brighter future awaits the nation.

Mimiko gave the charge at the Government House in Akure at the weekend after the conferment of the award of Ambassador of Peace in Nigeria on him by the Scout Association of Nigeria and his investiture as the patron of the association in the state.

Mimiko, who warned Nigerians against de-marketing the nation before the international community due to her present challenges, said that the achievements recorded by governments at all levels must be celebrated by Nigerians.

The governor attributed the prevailing peace in Ondo State partly to the synergy between the government and the governed where people see the government and its programmes as their personal belongings, thereby protecting and guarding them jealously.

Mimiko, who identified youth unemployment as one of the greatest challenges confronting the nation, noted that both the federal and state governments have been intensifying efforts at reducing the trend.

He mentioned the provision of over N200bn Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Loan Scheme, Graduate Internship Scheme and Youth in programme by the Federal Government as part of the efforts to create job and also to reduce poverty in the country.

He added that his administration had also engaged youth in agropreneurial training, provided loans to various association and empowerment opportunities for the youths to be gainfully engaged.

He expressed the commitment of his administration in partnering the Scout Association of Nigeria with a view to deepening the core values of societal development in the youths as the future of Nigeria.

He also appreciated the association for the honour done him and vowed to continue to do things that would sustain the peace and development of Ondo State.

The Chief Commissioner of the Association, Mr. Soga Sofolahan commended the state government for the prevailing peace in the state and for th education through the construction of magnificent mega schools, healthcare delivery system and tourism development among others.

The Chief Scout, Rufai Mohammed, an engineer, who noted that youths constitute about 60 percent to 70 percent of the Nigeria population, stressed that revamping the youth would guarantee better future for the country.

He added that the association is aimed at promoting truthfulness, volunteerism, loyalty, friendliness, kindness and obedience among other core values in the society.