BENIN CITY – The Commissioner for Budget, planning and Economic Development, Mr. Lawrence Aghedo has called on Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria to continue in its drive to power youths, especially in the area of entrepreneurship in order to prepare them for leadership positions.
The Commissioner made the call while receiving members of the group led by the International Vice President in charge of Africa and Middle-East, Itai Manyere who were on a courtesy call.
Hon. Aghedo said he is impressed with what JCI is doing, especially in the areas of training and re-training of, not only youths, but also, members of JCI.
“Over the years, the characters of your members have shown that the group is credible”.
“Politicians that are planning to forment trouble in the forth coming elections cannot approach members of JCI because they have unquestionable characters and this has shown over the years.
“I want to salute your courage and we are ready to partner with  your  organization”, the Commissioner noted.
He encouraged the body to focus more on the youths, especially those in schools and ensure they utilize their potentials for the development of the society.
“The youths have a lot of potentials; all they need do is to know the area where they have comparative advantage and utilize it to charge their lives for the better”.
The International Vice President of JCI in change of Africa and the Middle East Itai Manyere thanked the commissioner for receiving them and equally thanked the Edo people for their hospitality.
Manyere said JCI is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) that provides development for young people, as well as creating a positive change in their locality.
“It is only youths between the ages of 18 and 40 years and we are now in existence for 100 years now. We are the longest security partners with the United Nations and celebrate our 100 years, we are going to empower 100 people in this city”, he said.
National president of the body, Seun Osikalu said JCI does all at its reach to develop the society and have members across the globe.
“In other to contribute our quota to the development of the society and the world at large, as a body, we do reach across the world to know the needed priority and it would enable us assist in our own little way”.
“As a body, we involve ourselves in empowering the youths, community development, like repair of schools, roads, health centres   e.t.c.” he added.