The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has urged youths to put political differences aside and join hands together to develop the nation.

In a statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit of the ministry, Maryam Umar Yusuf, he said this yesterday in Uyo while addressing a group of youths.

He said his visit to the state was in continuation of his engagement with young people across the country.

"I know this is a PDP state, but it is now time for governance and not politics. It is time we put aside party affiliations in order to build Nigeria.

Emphasising his campaign on skill acquisition, he noted that during engagement with fellow youths in Cross River State, he also urged them to prioritise skill acquisition "if we must bury the monster of unemployment bedevilling our generation."

Olawande said the present administration was devoted to youth development as the President has shown commitment by giving the youths significant space in his administration as a demonstration of his belief in the talent and capacity of an average Nigerian young person to discharge his or her responsibility effectively.

He reiterated the need for the youth to set aside party differences and focus on making sure their generation justify the perennial quest for inclusion in governance through the success of their representatives in leadership positions, and the government they serve.

"The fundamental responsibility we have now is to support this government, we, the youths must be ready to benefit from various opportunities that are available to us, especially in the area of skill acquisition. We must be ready to learn as many skills as possible because it is our most valued asset towards nation-building," he said.