The Ekiti State Governor , Ayodele Fayose , has described Nigerian youths as the best in the world , lamenting that the under privileged among them have had to struggle hard to make it in an environment without viable and equal opportunities .
He said this in a reaction to a statement credited to President Muhammadu Buhari that many Nigerian youths below the age of 30 were lazy and only wait for freebies .
Fayose , who addressed the 2 , 300 corps members deployed in Ekiti during their swearing -in at the orientation camp in Ise -Ekiti on Monday , said that Nigerian leaders believed strongly in them, their industry and strength of character amid daunting socio -economic challenges .
He urged them to keep hope alive as a new , younger and energetic leader would soon emerge to better their lot .
The governor said , “ Without being immodest , I join other Nigerians to condemn the statement that undermines our youth , describing them as lazy , I rather say our youths are the best in the world .
“ With great determination and lack of opportunities , you have been forging ahead and struggling to make it ; we believe in you that you are the best . The entertainment industry is greatly populated by the youths and you have fetched great fortunes for the country.
“ So, it is inappropriate to say you are lazy . We need a younger and energetic Nigerian as the next President. I assure you of our best hospitality and protection .”
Fayose said the need to advise the corps members and identify with them made him to grace the occasion .
“ I will never ask you to do anything that is unbecoming of Nigerian youths, the country looks up to you in the coming elections . Please, don ’t allow any politician to influence you to rig including myself .
“ Run away from inducement and politicians that would call your attention to do evil . You would be remembered for whatever you did .
“ The Lord will keep all of you for me. The youths should not allow themselves to be used for thuggery or to rig elections by the politicians .
“ If I, Ayo Fayose , ask you to rig election for me, you should decline . Your parents have spent fortunes on you to be a graduate , you should not disappoint them. Those politicians will never call out their children to die . Don ’t allow yourselves to be used .
“ Those of you that are being sworn in today will be around when the governorship election will hold in July , don ’t allow yourselves to be used . Your parents expect you to return home alive , hale and hearty,” he said .
