A tourism expert, Mr Chibuikem Diala has tasked Nigeria’s youths on the need to grow their knowledge of financial literacy and innovation for national development.
Diala, who is the Founder and Executive Director of the International Hospitality Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF), said this at the fifth edition of the Mbano Youth Summit, in Owerri, on Saturday.
Speaking on the theme : ‘ The 21st Century Mbano Youth, A Reflective Action Plan’, Diala noted that a good knowledge of financial literacy was necessary to make the best use of natural resources, and convert these to renewable income sources.
“ You cannot grow a city, state or nation without understanding financial literacy because the exploration of our raw materials is dependent upon our knowledge of innovation and financial literacy, else poverty might continue to ravage communities.
“ The young people we are bringing up today will be the leaders of tomorrow, hence the need to shape them right and keep them at par with innovative means of income generation and financial growth “, he said.
Diala added that Imo is blessed with a generation of active, proactive people, with youths topping the population.
He urged youths in the state and Nigeria at large to take advantage of modern technology to become self employed rather relying solely on government.
He also thanked the Convener of the summit, Mr Magnus Agbakwo, for consistently supporting youth development through the summit initiative, and called on other Nigerians to emulate him.
Speaking, Agbakwo said that he remained committed to the growth of youths through shared ideas presented at the summit despite meager resources.
He thanked all supporters of the summit for their contributions towards its success.
He urged well meaning Nigerians to rally support for the summit’s next edition in the interest of the nation’s future leaders.
Our correspondent reports that the summit was also attended by the Executive Secretary of the Imo State Health Insurance Authority, Dr Uchenna Ewelike and the Vice Chancellor of the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Prof. Stella Lemchi, among others.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of gift items and awards to the summit’s ambassadors and resource persons.