By Hashim Yussuf Amao, Ibadan
Years beyond recall, the advice and guidance that come with mentorship have always helped shape the lives of young people positively.
Across academic, personal, spiritual and professional lives, the rising need for youth mentorship is deserving of attention. Unfortunately, many young Nigerians seem unconcerned about finding themselves, worthy mentors. This has made many of them derail from good paths and ruined their chances of success in life.
At crucial stages of life when a single mistake – if taken wrongly – can make any young person slip off track, a mentor’s wise counsel on a wide range of topics from career choices to behavioural decisions to self-development can help a confused youth rearrange his thoughts. He can then renew his confidence and get back on track.
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This need has aroused the curiosity of many concerned Nigerians, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. The Speaker, at a recent graduation of 74 trainees of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), has this to say.
“I have always said the lack or failure of leaders to mentor the young ones is the bane of society….”.
More programmes like the LMI, which will sensitise the youths on the need to have mentors, should follow suit. This would be of great help to the lives of Nigerian youths and the nation at large.
With the aid of worthy mentors, young and inexperienced Nigerian youths will navigate through the challenges of young adulthood and adolescence easily by taking ideas from older mentors. Yes, old mentors, are more experienced and have walked through some stages of life. They can also open doors of opportunities, internships, valuable networking, and connections to these youths.
At a time when atrocities like kidnapping, drug abuse, thuggery and banditry are mostly perpetrated by youths, it has become pertinent to advise Nigerian youths to seek valuable mentorship from worthy mentors. This will not only help combat atrocities but also better their individual lives.
Hashim Yussuf Amao
Twitter: @LegalBard
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