HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY GROUP MENTORS YOUTHS ON HOW TO BECOME BETTER CITIZENS

which had a large turnout of youths, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, undergraduates and students, was ‘New Orientation for Self-development and Service to the Nation’.

According to Moneke, the Seminar was aimed at building a critical mass of Nigerian youths who will transform the country, which is in dire need of a new breed of progressive, honest and patriotic leaders.

The Seminar, which is second in the series, had the maiden edition held in Awka Anambra State in 2017, with over 300 youths in attendance.

He said service to the country, is a call to patriotism, adding that, patriotism is the love of country and compatriots, and that affection must be expressed and given unconditionally.

“Effective service and success in any legitimate endeavour, would be impossible without competence and capacity; hence, the need for constant capacity building and self development. Now, without self-discipline and enthusiasm, nothing meaningful can ever be achieved or accomplished”, he stated.

The Lawyer urged the youths to discover their innate potential, and work hard to achieve it, if they are to contribute to national development.

Also speaking at the Seminar, Prof. Pat Utomi, founder of Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), said cooperation is essential for social development.

Utomi, who is a Professor of Political Economy, noted that capitalism does not define cooperation, as it encourages, pursuant of self-interest and competition.

“In Nigeria, we are busy killing one another, thus, not moving forward. It is easy to assume self-interest, but the end is detrimental to the nation.

“Development will begin when thoughts of Nigerians are for the country, rather than for personal gain”, Utomi lamented.

On her part, the Managing Partner, Kevin Martin Ogwemoh Legal, Mrs. Priscilla Ogwemoh, urged the youths to set career objectives and milestones – short, medium and long-term goals.

“You must determine, the path you choose. Take courses, and obtain qualifications that will enhance your opportunities. Ensure you develop skills.

“To grow in your career, you need to meet as many people as possible, so networking is important”, she advised.

For Prof. Joy Eyisi, the quality education and good reading culture, were the tools for success.

She noted that education is the key to development, and its quality the determinant of growth.

Also speaking, Founder of Development Dynamics, Dr. Jude Ohanele, described a leader as one who creates more leaders than followers gathered.