The keynote speaker at the just concluded departmental week of the Peace and Conflict Studies Students Association of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Dr Ukoha Ukiwo , Programme Manager, Nigeria Stability And Reconciliation Programme has charged youths to brace up for the challenges before them.

The event which was held at the Trenchard Hall of the university had dignitaries from all works of life in attendance.

While delivering his note, Prof Dele Olayiwola, who was the Chief-host spoke on the need to get youths, empowered so as to be self- reliant in the future. He said youths, being the leaders of tomorrow should not rely totally on the government to give them everything they want, but rather think about what they can do both individually and collectively to improve their lives and by so doing, they will be placing Nigeria in an enviable position amongst other countries of the world.

Mr Michael Olatunbosun in his speech, observed that for a youth to be functional in the society, he or she has to be educated.  He highlighted that the role of education in any society that wants growth and development, cannot be over emphasised, sighting China as an example, he said: “China is where it is today as a result of the government ensuring that any child that is of school age goes to school and gets necessary skill acquisition and knowledge. All the above mentioned has contributed in making China, one of the leading countries in the world today, hence, the need for Nigerian youths to be properly educated, if they are to have any meaningful contribution to the development of Nigeria.”

Also, Dr Ukiwo explained that the youths should brace up and confront the challenges before them, seeing those challenges as opportunities therefore use those challenges to improve their lives and become respectable persons in the society.

 The representative of Dapo Lam-Adesina, Lawmaker of the Federal House of representative who as the special guest of honour,  Mr Tunji Lam Adesina, spoke on the essence of self –reliance as a contributing factor to nation building instead of waiting endlessly for white collar jobs.

The week ended with a dinner organised by the students of the association. They all looked glamorous and colourful, as the men turned out in their tuxedos and the ladies in beautiful dinner gowns.

The activities for the dinner included presentations of awards to Adeola Layade, the CEO of EXQUISITO Confectioneries, staff and students, who had contributed in no small measure to development in the country and to the success of the association, in the outgoing academic year.

There was also a dance drama to portray Nigeria’s unity in diversity. CEOAfrica, the official media partner for the event was on ground for the Red Carpet session where interviews were held, photographs taken and a lot more.