The Northern Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on Tuesday conferred the award of Nation Building and Icon of Education to Chief (DR) Udoh Samuel Atang, the Most Senior Director in FCTA.

Speaking before presenting the award in his Office, NYCN President Hussaini Abubakar said it became necessary to recognize Dr. Atang for standing firm and tall during the Presidencies of Muhammadu Buhari and the incumbent Presidency of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR to render support to these Administrations by way of his national duties as then Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary and now the Most Senior Director in FCTA.

Alhaji Abubakar said the decision to present the award was arrived at in collaboration with his allies in Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and it was strongly viewed that as a father and mentor, Dr. Samuel Atang remains a big inspiration to all, especially the youths.

While stating that the NYCN is a body that was formed by the Late Sardauna of Sokoto in whose ideals of National Unity the award symbolized, Abubakar said “the reason why the body was formed was to create participation in politics, governance, good leadership and youths advocacy which promotes unity. This award is also to extend our hands of friendship to the people of the Niger Delta in showing that we are all part of the country.

"That people that believe in the principles and philosophies of our founding fathers of the country are the ones that are being lifted up. We have monitored it very well. As long as you have the passion for this country, you must always reach the top of your career", concluded Abubakar.

Responding, the Most Senior Director, Chief (Dr.) U.S Atang thanked the leadership of the Northern Youths and PANDEF. He said any country that is bereft of a viable youth policy is doomed to failure in the future.

He used the opportunity to urge all youth groups in Nigeria to look beyond political and ethnocentric considerations.

Dr. Atang called on the leaderships of both groups to champion the crusade against the japa syndrome that has snatched the youth to the realm of the unknown.

"It is better for you to be in your local communities, plant your food, harvest your food, eat on time, look healthy and engage yourselves in productive activities than for you to go where you don't understand what you are likely to do", stated Dr. Atang.

Speaking further, the Most Senior Director said: "Quite recently, we were told of how some of our youths were freezing on the streets of Belgium, Canada and other Europian countries. Nowhere to sleep under cold and freezing weather, whereas here you have the best climate God has given to you. You have the best vegetation God has given to you. You have the best ecosystem that God has given to us."

He lauded the vibrant youths policy of the FCT Administration saying as a resolve of the Nyesome Wike-led administration to bring governance closer to women and youths, the Honourable Minister created the Secretariat that will develop the Youths, the Child and the Women.

He assured the delegation that the Administration will continue to partner with the youths to develop their inert potentials to enable them contribute their quota to nation building.

"I think time has come that the youths of the nation must come out from their shelf and prove their mettle and show the world what we can do. I want to wish you well and pray God to grant you the wisdom and tact to do all that will bring Nigeria to a greater height", stated Dr. Atang.

The NYCN President was accompanied on the tour by the President, Niger Delta Intelligentsia Team and Assistant Secretary of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Engr. Japhet Anthony.