The Federal Government has been urged to recognise and celebrate young Nigerian talents in the country. The call was made by a non-governmental organisation, I choose Life Foundation.
The group, aimed at working to promote the mental, emotional and physical well-being of young people in Nigeria, has over the years invested in the mental health of young Nigerians.
At the second edition of the #MyNigerianDream event in Abuja organised by the foundation, it brought to fore, young creative fashion designers and athletes for their outstanding performance.
The foundation in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oando and Bank of Industry empowered young minds in creative activities, with the aim of boosting their mental health and to encourage them to stay away from drug misuse.
The event which had in attendance several young stars, was also graced by the minister of youth and sports, Sunday Dare.
The foundation through its coordinator, Chijioke Obioma called on the FG to channel more interest in harnessing young talents in Nigeria and to also support the development and encouragement of young people excelling especially in the areas of sports and in the fashion industry.
Obioma further explained that the foundation is creating new and creative models for young people to serve as an encouragement to others “to embrace life and stay away from illicit activities.”
The foundation awarded N3.4million to a total of 34 athletes who represented the country in the World Athletics under-20 world championship in Nairobi, Kenya where they finished third.
The 21-year-old captain of the team Godson Brume in his remarks, thanked the foundation saying “This is the first award I’ve ever received in my career as an athlete and I will forever cherish it”.
Also, 10 out of 30 top fashion finalists who participated in a creativity competition themed “Beauty, Brains, and Brawn: Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms” also gained recognition and commendations.
The young fashion designers, shoe and bag makers who exhibited their products at the event also earned the recognition of the minister of youth and sports, who promised them an inclusion in the National Investment Fund (NYIF) Scheme.
