The Nigerian youth need to be more creative and enterprising to improve the economic and political landscape of the country, Mr Peter Okoye of the “P-Square’’ fame, has said.

Okoye, a hip hop artiste, now popularly known as “Mr P’’, made the assertion when he spoke as a Guest Speaker at The Future Awards Africa reception for the nominees of the 12th edition on Friday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award is organised by a Foundation, The Future Project, with support from the Ford Foundation, GTBank and 7up Bottling Company.

Okoye, who is also of the P Square musical duo, said there was need for youths to harness their personal and business skills to make them less dependent on a government that is challenged.

“There is need for Nigerian youths to develop their knowledge, attitude and skills and explore opportunities with their God-given talents.

“The youths are the leaders of tomorrow and a lot depends on their present output.

“While the societal, economic, political, and governance outlook appears dim, the youth should not be discouraged because amid all, there are still some youths that are making positive impact.

“I have passed through this level before in my career; we were nominated in the second edition of this project and we won.

“ The truth is that we are the future, the young generation should come out and rule their world positively.

“They should come and start doing things for themselves and not always wait for the government; sometimes, we depend on our government and we become so lazy; make an impact for yourself,’’ Okoye advised.

Also, Bukola Adebakin, Chief Operating Officer for The Future Project, told NAN that there were young people doing remarkable exploits in their fields.

“It is wonderful that beyond the challenges and issues that we have in our country, in spite of the harsh economic landscape, insecurity and uncertainties, we have enterprising and creative young people that are breaking grounds and taking initiatives to make their communities and our country better.

“We have a 21-year-old pilot in the nomination category this year and in fact, many 18, 19, and 20-year-olds who are doing amazing stuffs nationwide.

“This goes to show that our youths can do more; they should channel their energies into positive things, they should avoid violence and over dependence on the government.

“On the part of the government, the citizens deserve to live better lives; the environment should be conducive and enabling for businesses to thrive and for talents to blossom’’.