Prof. Mohammed Isa-Kida, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), has expressed optimism that Nigerian youths can attain global recognition and contribute significantly to national development if given the necessary support and encouragement.
Isa-Kida expressed the optimism on Saturday in Lafia at the launch of two books, When the Girls Rise and The Glittering Trap, written by Sadiq Okpadobu.
The vice-chancellor, represented by Prof. Ibrahim Ogiri, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Partnership of the university, described Nigeria as a country blessed with talents, knowledge and innovative minds capable of contributing to national and global development.
He, however, identified the inability to adequately harness the country’s human and intellectual resources as a major challenge to its progress.
“Nigeria is a hub of knowledge, innovation and excellence, and we shall continue to grow from grace to grace,” he said.
Isa-Kida said Okpadobu’s literary achievement demonstrated the enormous potential of young Nigerians, stressing the need to create opportunities for them to develop and showcase their abilities.
He said the author’s accomplishment was particularly commendable, given his ability to produce compelling literary works despite not having a background in literature.
The vice-chancellor expressed confidence that the younger generation could surpass the achievements of their predecessors if given the right guidance and encouragement.
“It is our collective aspiration as individuals and parents that our children should be better than us.
“What we have seen today is clear testimony that our children are going to be better than us and continue to rise higher,” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Abdullahi Sule, represented by his Special Adviser, Mohammed Abubakar, and chairman of the occasion, commended the author for drawing attention to the challenges facing the girl-child, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and the role of education in helping girls realise their potential.
Sule assured that his administration would continue to encourage authors and support literary initiatives that enable them to benefit from their creativity while contributing to societal development.
Similarly, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, Managing Director, Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) represented by Mr Abdullahi Ari, said the agency’s management remained committed to supporting young people to discover and develop their talents.
Abdullahi, who wrote the foreword to The Glittering Trap, said the commitment reflected the importance of investing in young people and creating opportunities for them to contribute to community and national development.
He congratulated Okpadobu on the achievement, urging young Nigerians to remain committed to their aspirations despite the challenges they might encounter.
In his review, Mr Osori Danasabe, Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Nasarawa Chapter, described the books as timely, saying they addressed contemporary social issues affecting young people.
Danasabe said When the Girls Rise, an eight-chapter, 85-page book, examined the resilience of the girl-child in Northern Nigeria in pursuing education and realising her dreams despite stereotypes and other barriers.
He said The Glittering Trap, a nine-chapter, 88-page book, explored campus social realities and the pursuit of quick wealth, which often lured young people into vices capable of jeopardising their future.
The ANA chairman said the association would submit the books to the National Library and induct the author into the association.
Speaking on his motivation, Okpadobu said the growing desire among young people to make quick money, often driven by economic hardship, informed his decision to write The Glittering Trap.
He said the book sought to educate young people about the dangers of pursuing wealth through negative means and encourage them to make responsible choices.
The author said When the Girls Rise was inspired by the persistent barriers to girls’ education in Northern Nigeria, adding that the book highlighted successful women as examples to encourage younger girls to pursue their dreams despite challenges.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Aliyu Oga-Onawo, represented by Mukhtar Oseyi; Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Jibril Ibrahim, represented by Hajiya Aisha Akwe; and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Rebecca Adamu-Kpadji.
They congratulated the author for his creativity and contribution to knowledge and societal development. (NAN)
