Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the Federal Government to initiate policies that will create employment opportunities, support entrepreneurships, and provide mentorship programmes to empower youths to become active participants in shaping Nigeria’s destiny.
Comrade Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN, who made the call during the Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said that Nigeria is at crossroads and facing numerous challenges that require the collective effort and determination of every one to overcome.
He said: “We are a nation blessed with abundant natural resources, a diverse culture, and a vibrant population. However, we cannot deny that we have faced immense difficulties over the years, ranging from corruption and insecurity to a lack of efficient governance and infrastructure.
“Our economy has experienced ups and downs, resulting in hardships for many citizens. It is high time we address these issues head-on and embark on a journey of rebirth and reorientation as a nation.
“To begin this journey, we must prioritize education. Education serves as the foundation upon which enlightened citizens are built. It is through education that the minds of the Nigerian people can be awakened, critical thinking can be promoted, and a sense of national pride can be fostered. We must invest in our educational infrastructure, support our teachers, and ensure access to quality education for all.
“Additionally, we must engage our youth, for they are the future torchbearers of our nation. It is high time we redirect their energy, passion, and innovative spirit towards nation-building activities. We can achieve this by creating employment opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, and providing mentorship programs that empower our young people to become active participants in shaping Nigeria’s destiny.
“Furthermore, an effective reorientation campaign is integral to this process. We need to instil in our citizens a sense of unity, patriotism, and national pride. This can be achieved through the reinforcement of our national symbols, the celebration of our diverse cultural heritage, and the promotion of our rich history. By embracing our shared identity as Nigerians, we can forge a collective purpose and a sense of belonging that transcends ethnic and religious boundaries.”
Comrade Osifo stressed that, the need for the government to improve the process of national rebirth and reorientation, communication and information dissemination are vital.
He called on relevant authorities to utilize traditional media, social media, conventional media and other communication tools to amplify the union’s message of change, ensure transparency in governance and foster a sense of accountability among our leaders.
(Independent)
