Pauline Tallen, the minister of Women Affairs, has emphasised on the role of the youths in nation building, saying their participation is “sacrosanct”.
Tallen, ably represented by an aide, Angela Nkwocha, stated this in Abuja at a programme organised by an NGO, Teens and Nubile Club (Teenub), .
She stated that no nation can develop when a large percentage of its population are idle and ineffective.
The programme was organised towards transforming the mindset of Nigerian youths for sustainable national development.
“Therefore, the role of the youth in national development is sacrosanct to the whole development aspiration of any society.
“The youth in any society is the engine of growth and development; because they provide the labour force for production of goods and services to take effect.
“They are also the critical stakeholders, whose action and inaction can develop or destroy the fabrics of our society.” she said.
The minister said that a society that prepares the youth for the sake of future aspirations would secure its future development.
She said that it will also prepare its next set of leaders who will champion reconciliation and development.
“Given their strategic role, the youth have the greater responsibility to promote peace, security, stability and national unity through their active involvement in the electoral process.
“They are there to build bridges of understanding across ethnic groups, political affiliations and religious divide,” she stressed.