On Saturday, Minister of State for Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande delivered a promising message to young Nigerians during a youth empowerment program held in Edo State, sponsored by the Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Foundation. The event aimed to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills and resources needed to thrive.
The Minister gave the assurance that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is committed to creating a supportive and empowering environment, where young Nigerians can unlock their full potential and achieve success in their various fields of endeavor.
While assuring the youth at the event of President Tinubu’s commitment to support the actualization of dreams, the Minister said that his appointment was enough testament of the “Renewed Hope” the President promised.
“What the President envisage is a country where a child of nobody would have equal chance to succeed and live a dignified life. The simple fact that the President appointed me, a child of every day Nigerian, is proof of his desire to build a country that offers equal and fair opportunities to all; irrespective of their economic or social standing,” the Minister submitted.
While imploring beneficiaries who received grants at the empowerment ceremony to make judicious use of the funds, Olawande said the government would continue to create the enabling environment that supports the growth of the small scale industry where a lot of young people operate.
“As youth, our ‘can do’ spirit is our greatest strength. We must acknowledge the fact that certificate is not enough, that we need skill to succeed. It is when we have skills that we make it easy for Foundations like that of Dr. Paddy to assist the government in empowering us,” the Minister added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Founder of DP Foundation, Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Iyamu said the empowerment the Foundation has consistently delivered over the last 10 years was motivated by the desire to redistribute wealth and make life better for the majority, especially the youth.
The event was a prestigious gathering, attended by a diverse range of distinguished guests, including Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate in Edo State, and his running mate, Hon. Dennis Edahosa. Other notable attendees included Dr. Linus Okorie, a renowned leadership coach and author, Comrade Sunday Asefon, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, and Ms. Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives. The ceremony also drew prominent figures from the private sector and the entertainment industry, such as singer and songwriter Timi Dokolo, among others. 
