News Investigators/ The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has charged Nigerian youth to embrace creativity, transparency and moral integrity as tools to rebuild the nation and secure its future.
Mrs Mohammed gave the charge at the grand finale of the Hope for Nigeria Essay Competition and Conference, organised by the Hope for Nigeria Foundation to mark its 10th anniversary on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by Suhayr Musa, the UN deputy chief described young Nigerians as the “true builders of today,” stressing that their ideas, innovation and resilience would define the country’s destiny.
“The future of Nigeria depends on us, the youth — the true builders of today.
“We are not waiting for tomorrow to lead; we are shaping it. Let us choose creativity over corruption, service over selfishness, and hope over despair,” she said.
Mrs Mohammed urged stakeholders to strengthen education through digital access, entrepreneurship and inclusion in policymaking to unlock the full potential of Nigerian youth.
In his remarks, founder of the foundation, Mr Tunji Aworinde, commended the participants for their intellectual brilliance and urged them to pursue their dreams with passion while using Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly.
He said the conference promotes education, civic responsibility and youth empowerment through annual essay competitions and mentorship programmes aimed at inspiring a new generation of ethical, innovative leaders.
“Among you today are the new Chinua Achebes and Wole Soyinkas.
“You must not let your dreams die and you must not die without living your dreams. Whatever your dream is, keep at it; it will be realised,” he said.
Oseodion Osemudiamhen, a student of Army Day Secondary School, Maitama, emerged overall winner of the essay competition.
In his winning essay, he identified transparency as Nigeria’s most urgent need, saying citizens deserved to know how public funds were used.
“Our main problem is transparency. We must always be open and accountable to one another. AI should be used as a tool for learning, not a substitute for human thinking.
“AI should guide you, not do everything for you. It gives you a path, but your mind must lead the way,” he said.
Second-place winner, Adebimpe Oluwapelumi of Government Secondary School, Wuye, said Nigeria’s transformation depended on accountable and transparent leadership.
“Many of Nigeria’s problems would be solved if our leaders were transparent and responsive,” she noted.
NAN
