The secretary of the International Department of the Scout Association of Nigeria, Emmanuel Eseine, has said Nigeria will be represented by a 28-man contingent at the 16th World Scout Moot, which will be held in Portugal from July 25 to August 3, 2025.
Eseine, who disclosed this at the Oba Akenzua II International Scout Camp on Saturday in Benin, Edo State, said the programme is for the youth wing of scouting.
Eseine, who is also the Edo State Scout commissioner, told the participants that representing the country is a privilege, not a right, and urged them to make the country proud at the event.
He said, “Scouting is an international organisation that aims to develop the potential of young boys or girls so that they can take a contributive place in the society of tomorrow.
“The World Scout Moot is a programme for the youth wing of Scouting. It comes up every four years, and the 16th World Scout Moot will take place in Portugal from 25th July to 3rd August, 2025.
“For this 16th World Scout Moot, Nigeria has a contingent of 28 Scouts representing the country. Let me use this opportunity to inform all participants that it is a huge privilege for us to be representing our dear country and not a right.
“Therefore, let us be conscious of making the Portuguese Embassy that granted us the Entry Clearance visa very proud.
“Let us make the state government, especially, the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, proud for sponsoring six participants. Let us make our local government proud of our parents and other multinational organisations supporting us. Let us make Nigeria and Africa proud, and above all, make the scout movement proud.”
He said the contingent can make the country proud by coming out in their best behaviour during the World Scout Moot programme, staying away from harm in Portugal, and returning to Nigeria after the programme to impact others who were not privileged to attend the Moot.
He said this would encourage sponsors and supporters to back the scout in future endeavours.
Also speaking at the event, Aina Balogun, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, urged the contingent to be good ambassadors of the country in Portugal.
She commended the state government for sponsoring six of the contingent, noting that the gesture would inspire other youths.
Recall that two years ago, the country took part in the World Jamboree in South Korea with 154 Scouts, and Edo State sponsored 27 Scouts to join the national contingent.
