Abuja:

A Nigerian Catholic Bishop is calling the youngsters planning to leave the country to bring back the skills and knowledge they have acquired from the host country. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese was addressing the young people during the 12th Convocation lecture of Veritas University of Nigeria.

The prelate said, “I encourage young people who want to leave Nigeria to please, feel free to leave. The country is big enough. We can assure you that by the time you settle down in the United States of America or wherever you have gone, you will discover that Nigeria needs you.” Bishop Kukah continued by warning the youth of the most populous African country not to look to the political elite to bring about change in their nation. Instead, he underlined the need for the country's youth to propose changes that will positively affect society.

He also expressed hope that the right conditions will be established in the country, allowing those remaining here to thrive and compete favorably with their counterparts abroad. “For those you left behind, our hope and prayer is that they will be competing at the same level with you. We have everything that it takes to turn our country around,” he added.

Bishop Kukah also urged parents and guardians to make an effort to act as mentors and role models for their children, as well as academics at the university, to strive to be role models for their pupils. "Keep in mind that it could have been done anywhere," he remarked. “It’s not by accident that they are in Nigeria.” He added that the graduates from Veritas University will be well equipped mentally and intellectually to ‘conquer Nigeria’ and face the challenges.