Ameen Abdul, the National Youth Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has called on the youth of Nigeria to take charge of their future and shape their destinies. Speaking after the 18th edition of the Nigerian Red Cross Society’s International Youth Camp at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Training School in Agbor, Delta State, Ameen emphasized the importance of action over complaints.
Ameen, who also serves as the Chairman of the Africa Youth Network under the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), stressed that complaining about circumstances does not bring change. “Anyone can complain,” he said. “But young people must realize that the world changes one person at a time, not through large groups.” He encouraged youth to start making a difference in their communities, as collective efforts at the grassroots level can lead to significant global improvements.
The week-long camp featured a variety of activities, including sessions on climate change, first aid simulations, leadership development, skill acquisition, and lectures on artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. The event also included fitness classes, social events, cultural displays, and a beauty pageant, offering a holistic experience for all participants.
The 18th International Youth Camp left a strong impression of unity and the power of collective action. It brought together young Red Cross volunteers from across Nigeria and other countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, and Seychelles. Over the course of the week, these young people collaborated, engaged in peer-to-peer learning, shared experiences, and celebrated cultural diversity.
The success of the camp was attributed to the dedication of the NRCS National Youth Wing Executive Committee, led by Ameen Abdul, with the close guidance and supervision of Mr. Sidney Osawaru, the National Youth Adviser. Their efforts ensured that every aspect of the camp was meaningful, from the intense workshops to the shared meals that helped build friendships and break down barriers.
Reflecting on the camp’s impact, Osawaru explained that young people must recognize that leadership is not something that is handed over; it must be earned through demonstrated ability and commitment. “The youth must understand that no one will simply hand over leadership to them. Power is not given; you have to earn it,” Osawaru stated.
As the camp concluded, Ameen Abdul reminded the young volunteers that their journey as humanitarians is just beginning. “This camp may have ended, but the work of these young humanitarians has only just begun,” he said. “They have been equipped with the tools, knowledge, and most importantly, the motivation to make a difference. As they go back to their communities, they carry with them the true essence of being a Red Cross volunteer: to alleviate human suffering wherever it is found.”
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