Nigerian youths have always being in the background despite their inputs during electioneering campaigns until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s choice of 36 year old Dr Betta Edu, whom Nigerians acclaimed tick all the boxes in terms of brilliance, political activism, beauty and the willpower to succeed as a member of the federal executive council.
The action of the President is also in tandem with his promise that women and youths would play significant roles in his administration.
Betta’s appointment as a member of the team to pilot the affairs of the nation, is a demonstration of the President’s resolve to get qualified, properly schooled, persons of great character and integrity, persons who are committed to the development of the Country on board.
Edu, who is a Medical Doctor and Phd holder represents the ideal youth today, she has kept the dreams, hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian youth alive; and her growth trajectory may form part of academic course of studies or a pattern for Nigerian youths to emulate.
Her quick acceleration, growth and progress in 8 years from a Special Adviser to Director General Of Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, to Commissioner, to Chairman of all Commissioners of Health in Nigeria and then the Youngest National Woman Leader of any Political Party in Africa and now a Confirmed Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, can only be achieved by hard work, focus, humility and trust in God while contributing immensely to the development of her country.
Like Betta, the youths today should know they can do better. They must see opportunities in every situation and be ready to weather the storms. Remembering there is a price to pay for success, the youth must bring value and proper solutions to the problem we face in our nation rather than seek who to blame.
Her track record of achievements precedes her. She was appointed the youngest Special Adviser in Nigeria at the time and became the Youngest Director General of Cross River Primary Health Development Agency, where she excelled so well, she was eventually appointed the Commissioner for Health in the State, as well as been the Chairman,CRS COVID-19 taskforce where she delivered as well.
Realising that her capacity would be required for National Development, beyond her state, Dr Betta emerged again the youngest National Woman Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the youngest minister designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which really comes as no surprise as her capacity to deliver is not in doubt. It is to be noted that she is the first female Minister from Cross River. This equally opens the space for more female involvement in politics in her state.
Betta has opened a vista of opportunities the youth to aspire for greater heights which will enable them realize the potential they can optimize if they truly put their hearts and minds in it. She is a brand in Cross River and the Country at large.
Although from a very humble background, through dint of hard work and perseverance, Betta has done better for herself and her constituents, a signal that the younger generation can strive to be at the top and remain there through industry and determination.
Yet another thing that stands her out is her commitment to deliver on all the roles that have been assigned her. She has always given her best in any capacity she finds herself and has achieved greatness. Excuse and impossibility doesn’t exist in her dictionary, a goal getter with a positive mind set. She did not rely only on her beauty and endearing smiles to get to the top, but self-developed herself which eventually earned her intellectual capacity as demonstrated during her screening at the Senate with the brilliance, poise and enthusiasm displayed in answering issues that bothered on the health sector and her expectations for the country, thus In her words “ I wish to be known for the value I bring to the table, beauty is vain when it is not accompanied with intellect.”
She is celebrated at home and across the country as a shining example of what is expected of Nigerian youths in the country. Capacity like what Betta has delivered is what is required to take the country out of the doldrums and her appointment by President Tinubu is putting a square peg in a square hole.
Hope is indeed Renewed for the Nigerian Youth.
