Mentorship dearth disrupt quality growth among youths – Remi Tinubu

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has disclosed that lack of adequate mentoring for young people deters them from dreaming big in life.

She disclosed this on Thursday, at the commissioning and handing over of digital hall (Dream Centre), built by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, equipped by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA and named after the first lady.

Mrs Tinubu said she achieved a lot through her role models, noting that young girls nowadays no longer have those who will serve as mentors to them.

She said her life story is enough inspiration for young girls who dream to achieve big in life, saying, while growing, “I wanted to be a teacher. But today, I was a Senator before becoming the country’s first lady.”

“A mentor and a mentee is a long-term relationship that both parties should derive benefit and not be one-sided.

“I should be a case study for young girls. They will talk about the girl-child every time but nowadays people don’t have role models anymore, we live in an age and time where, even when people are doing well, out of envy, we try to say a lot about them that is mainly not true.

“And our young people don’t really see a lot of people to emulate, but role models are still out there. Role models are people who helped me shape my life.

“This centre is not for girls alone. It is also for boys. Go into that dream centre, be encouraged, dream your own dreams and you will see that and be prayerful. Seek the face of God, don’t be overly ambitious. What you will become God has already deposited in you; don’t be covetous of other people’s dreams. Build yours,” she said.

The first lady lauded the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for his commitment to building the dream centre, urging the university students to take the opportunity the dream centre provides.

In his remarks, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, said the centre converts the power of technology and storytelling to preserve Nigeria’s history.

“This centre has the vision of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and storytelling to preserve our history. In particular, the incredible lives of our First Lady, and the mother of the nation.

“This centre is a unique centre that converts the power of technology, storytelling, to preserve our history. So that our younger ones, and the generation to come will have access to our history and tools to navigate their lives,” she said.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, in his address, said the dream centre would encourage a lot of young people to achieve their goals.

“In the last two years, you have been on this campus three times. You are truly worthy to be celebrated. This place used to be a jungle. My mama is a dreamer. All her dreams come true. Everything she lays her hand upon always prospers,” Ooni noted.

Dignitaries who attended the commissioning include the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Simeon Bamire; the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Olaoye Ghandi; the first lady of Osun State, Mrs Titilola Adeleke; Oyo State first lady, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde; Ondo State first lady, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa and Ekiti State first lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji.

Others include the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Mr Bola Oyebamiji; wives of National Assembly lawmakers and traditional rulers.