The traditional ruler of Shasha Kingdom in Alimosho area of Lagos State, Oba Babatunde Ogunronbi, on Saturday, called on traditional rulers, governments and well-meaning Nigerians to prioritise youth development and empowerment.
He made the appeal at the opening ceremony of Harry Styles Bespoke and Fabrics inaugurated by a self-employed graduate, Mr Segun Olumuyide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the aim of the event was to earn a living and create jobs for others.
According to the monarch, it has become imperative to concentrate efforts on youth development to safe the nation and its future from socio-economic and security crises.
“Empowering our youths should be number one agenda. I empower people.
“I don’t wait to receive from people; I develop people to be able to earn their living themselves.
“I empower youths because I don’t like seeing our youths roaming the streets. It poses a serious threat to us as a nation.
“The advice I have for traditional rulers, government and wealthy Nigerians is to try as much as possible to empower the youth because they are the future.
“We should not feel comfortable seeing youths doing nothing. Politicians should not just enrich themselves, they should make impact in youth engagements, ‘’ the monarch said.
He said that he had donated several tools for artisans and traders in his community to cater for themselves.
The traditional ruler urged youths not to fold hands but struggle to find something doing.
He, however, commended Olumuyide for his initiative to help himself and his community.
The Executive Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Mr Jelili Suleiman, who commended the stylist, said that the council had organised several skill acquisition programmes for the youth.
Suleiman, who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Mr Adeyemi Adebola, urged youths to also inspire themselves as government alone could not stem the rising rate of unemployment.
In his remarks, Olumuyide, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University noted that his passion for dressing well led him to acquire the skills after graduation.
He said that the establishment had already engaged 10 youths.
“People admire how I dress and look; then, I thought of going into this as it is not easy getting a job in our country. If school certificate fails, handwork cannot.
“As I launch this brand, I hope it will go places pushing my outfits out to different shores. I won’t mind styling for entertainers, politicians and all people.
“I have machines and materials to deal in all textiles materials and accessories as well as to run fashion store, sewing, uniform printing and monogram, among others,’’ he said. (NAN)