The Minister of Youth and Sports Development,Mr Sunday Dare has expressed delight over the scholarship awarded to more than 90 Nigerians by EU under the European Community Action Scheme for Mobility of University Students (ERASMUS+) programme.
While speaking at the the virtual EU Erasmus scholarship orientation in Abuja on Tuesday,the Minister commended the European Community for extending the wonderful opportunity to Nigerian youths who are the hope and future of the country.
“The number of Nigerian students selected for the programme this year is highly encouraging. This further strengthens our confidence in the EU’s strong commitment to expanding opportunities for Nigerians, especially the youth, the future of the country.
“The Nigerian Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari since inception prioritised investment in, and creating development opportunities for young Nigerians to excel in all their endeavours.
He added that to attest to the high quality and value of the programme, beneficiaries had been doing great exploits in Nigeria and all over the world.
“This is why it is very heart-warming that the ERASMUS+ programme has been a fulcrum and thus commitment as we strive to secure the future and hope of Nigeria.
“The ministry, therefore, identifies with the noble objectives of the ERASMUS+ programme because it aligns with the National Youth Policy goal of youth engagement and development as a veritable tool for socio-political and sustainable economic development,’’ Dare said.
He further advised the beneficiaries to continue to be good ambassadors of Nigeria as much is expected of them as beneficiaries of the ERASMUS+ Programme.
“You cannot afford to fail because Nigeria in particular, places so much hope and expectations on you as future leaders who would deploy the knowledge, skills and experience to better the lot of Nigeria in terms of providing good leadership and service delivery to the nation.
“Your predecessors of this programme are already doing great exploits all over the world.
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“This throws a serious challenge at you as you must strive hard to surpass their achievements and carve a niche for yourselves,” Dare also said.
The minister further said in the country today, quality leadership was more imperative than ever before in order to meet set goals and expectations of the citizenry.
“This programme will definitely broaden your horizon, enhance your leadership capacity and ability to deliver efficiently on your chosen endeavours.
“You must use the knowledge and skills to be acquired from this programme to transform your society and the world at large.
“You must be fully prepared to face challenges, and, remember that successful people never complain but see challenges as opportunities and share them with others,” Dare added.
