Former presidential spokesman, Reno Omokri, has argued that Nigeria provides more unique opportunities than advanced nations like the United States, Britain, and Canada.
His remarks came in response to the National Youth Service Corps decision to implement the Federal Government-approved monthly allowance of ₦77,000 for corps members.
In a post on his Facebook page, Omokri praised the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise to corps members, urging critics to recognize this achievement. “If you are a Corps member, you have reason to smile as the NYSC has fulfilled its promise to pay Youth Service Corps members ₦77,000. This is commendable. It is hoped that those who criticised the government should also now acknowledge them. It is only fair to be balanced,” he stated.
The former spokesperson further commended the NYSC scheme for offering Nigerian graduates valuable job experience, skill acquisition, and a steady income before entering the workforce. “Every Nigerian who graduates from university or polytechnic is guaranteed accommodation, job experience, and a salary for a year through the National Youth Service Corps, courtesy of the Federal Government,” Omokri explained.
Omokri emphasized that such opportunities are not available in countries like the United States, Britain, Canada, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia, where no comparable program exists.
In addition to the NYSC, Omokri highlighted Nigeria’s affordable public university tuition and extensive government-funded scholarship schemes, including the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and the Federal Scholarship Board. He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has provided student loans to over 400,000 university graduates.
The former spokesperson also criticized those who fail to recognize Nigeria’s advantages. “When your eyes are determined to only look for bad things about Nigeria, you will not see these benefits. Your eyes will show you what your mind wants to see because the challenge is your mindset about Nigeria, not necessarily Nigeria,” he remarked.
Omokri concluded by urging Nigerians to shift their perspectives and promote their country rather than constantly criticizing its leadership. “Leaders come and go, but Nigeria is forever,” he said.
