Stay back, build Africa, Butswat urges youths, commends YouPAD for honouring him

As the exodus of youths from Africa to Europe in search of greener pastures continues to gain traction, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Isaac Sammani Butswat, has implored youths to remain in the continent so as to contribute to its development.

Butswat stated this on Tuesday , January 23, 2024 while receiving an award presented to him by the Youth Partnership for Africa's Development (YouPAD) in his office at the headquarters of the university, Jabi, Abuja.

"I must say it is a pleasant surprise to me, the first call I heard concerning this visit and this award. Because I didn't know that any of you knew me as it is were. So, it is a pleasant surprise. The award encourages me to continue what I'm doing even positively. I am happy with what you are doing and I want you to continue,” he said.

The DVC said "We have to help ourselves as you have already said. America is built by Americans even though it is not only them that build it; Europe was built by Europeans and we Africans must build Africa. We are so blessed. We are blessed with a lot of human and material resources but it is left for us to tap and manage these resources.

“In this area of management, if we treat ourselves well, this issue of 'japa' will be off. There will be no need to run to another countries that you consider better than your own.

"You have to make your country better. Stay back, build Africa and that should continue."

While assuring YouPAD of his continuous support, the excited Butswat dedicated the award to the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, whom he said brought him (Butswat) to the limelight and for creating enabling environment for him to excel.

Earlier in his speech, while thanking the recipient of the award for his warm reception,  the President, YouPAD, Amb. Nwnkwo Henry Ikem, said Butswat is qualified as recipient of Thomas Sankara Leadership Prize for Integrity and Transparency.

Ikem added that "YouPAD  is delighted to be in West Africa, to be in Nigeria, to be in Abuja to honour a man who is hard-working and dedicated to service; a man who is accountable,  a man with high administrative acumen and selfless leadership ideology."