IYD 2023: Like Betta, Youths Can Do Better

Saturday, August 12, 2023 is the International Youth Day and just last month, President Bola Tinubu nominated a 36-year-old Nigerian youth as a Minister, the youngest Minister in the history of the 4th Republic of Nigeria.

It’s no longer news that President Tinubu in July nominated Dr Betta Edu from Cross River State to serve as part of his cabinet as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The nomination, beyond signifying the President as a man of his words on the inclusion of Women and Youths in his government, wa a demonstration of the President’s resolve to get qualified and properly schooled persons of great character and integrity on board in order to deliver his ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda.

The youngest of all the nominees – Dr. Betta Edu – a medical doctor by training and PhD holder, represents the ideal Nigerian youth today. She has kept the dreams, hopes, and aspirations of the Nigerian youth alive.

On the occasion of this year’s International Youth Day (IDY), Nigerian youth should understudy and emulate this young woman. Her quick acceleration, growth and progress under eight years from a Special Adviser to Cross Rivers State governor, to Director General Of Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, to Commissioner of Health, to Chairman of all Commissioners of Health Forum in Nigeria, and then the youngest National Woman Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and now a Minister-designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This can only be achieved by hard work, focus, humility, and trust in God while contributing immensely to the development of her fatherland.

Like Betta, the youths today should know that they can do better. They must see opportunities in every situation and be ready to weather the storms. Remember, there is a price to pay for success. They must bring value and proper solutions to the problem we face in our nation rather than seek who to blame.

Betta Edu’s 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 Healthcare Development Agency, where she excelled so well. She was eventually appointed as Commissioner of Health in the State, and in time of national emergeny of COVID-19, the responsibility to combat the pandemic fell on her shoulders as chairman, Cross River State COVID-19 Taskforce and she delivered as well.

When her capacity was needed beyond her state for national development, Dr Betta again emerged as the youngest National Woman Leader of the ruling APC.

Today, she is 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 also to be noted that she is the first female Minister ever to be appointed from Cross River State. This equally opens the space for more female involvement in politics in her native Cross Rivers State.

Betta has given a chance to the younger ones to make them realise the potential they can maximise if they truly put their hearts and minds in it. She is a brand in Cross River and the country at large. Nigerians must realise that anyone can do better.

She came from a very humble background, but she is one of those who have sent a clear message to the younger generation that they too could strive to that level she is now, through hard work and determination.

She has always given her best in any capacity she found herself and has achieved greatness. Excuse and impossibility doesn’t exist in her dictionary, a goal getter with a positive mindset. She did not replace her beauty and smile with the need to build intellectual capacity. In her words “I wish to be known for the value I bring to the table, beauty is vain.”

The President did not make a mistake to have chosen her. She is celebrated at home and across the country as a shining example of what is expected of Nigerian youths in the country today. Capacity like what Betta has delivered is what is required to take the country out of the doldrums. Her appointment by President Tinubu is surely putting a square peg in a square hole.

Hope is indeed renewed for the Nigerian youth.