As Nigerian youth joined the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day, stakeholders have stressed the need to empower the Nigerian youths as the strength of any nation lies in them.

The stakeholders who spoke at a motivational event tagged: “Rebuilding Lives” organised by Kinabuti Fashion Label in collaboration with Nehemiah Project in Lagos, said the youths should be given opportunity to show forth their talents as well as realise their full potentials.

Speaking at the event, the Italian-born, Nigerian-based Fashion designer, Ms. Caterina Bortolussi said the show was an idea borne out of a need to encourage and promote youth development as well as explore their God-given talents by bringing them stories of celebrated Nigerians who have successfully pursued their dreams by utilising their innate talents.

Bortolussi also announced that the 21 young ladies discovered from various communities like Bundu Waterside, Eleme, Marine Base Waterside and Igbikisikalama in Port Harcourt, with no previous experience have been trained by professionals in the skills of make-up, hairstyling, walking and the other elements needed to give them a deep understanding of the modeling profession.

The event which held at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel played host to numerous celebrities and successful Nigerians such as Ty Bello, DBanj, MI, Waje, Holy Mallam, Lanre Da Silva, Ali Baba, Fela Durotoye, Tara, Funke Akindele, Cobhams, Gideon Okeke, Ireti Doyle, Mai Atafo, Elohor Aisien, Ibidun Ituha-Ighodalo with the duo of Kate Henshaw Nuttall and Tee-A as comperes. The night also hosted the Kinabuti “In Our Ghetto” models from Port Harcourt.

Celebrities such as Basket Mouth, Banke Meshida Lawal, Pastor Ituah Igodalo and other individuals personally told their stories and gave motivational speeches with the purpose of instigating change in the youths. They encouraged the youth to redefine their aspirations and give shape to their own potentials.