Why I dress in beret, fatigue uniform – Dalong 

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalong, said the decision to dress simply in uniform fatigue was taken long time ago after a deep reflection.

Dalong said ever before being appointed as Minister, he had been dressing this way as a sign of self-sacrifice on his part to identify with the poor masses of Nigeria.

He also disclosed that the decision is influenced by exemplary lives of great African crusaders for social justice and people’s emancipation like Thomas Sankara, Tai Solarin and Wole Soyinka.

Dalong made the clarification while receiving members of Class 2001 of the Law School Alumni Association who called to pay him a courtesy call in his office on Tuesday.

The Minister observed that many of those elevated to position of trust today despite their humble birth would not have been there if President Muhammadu Buhari had not stood his ground.

He praised the President for fishing out people he believes have the capacity to deliver, adding that Buhari by his action is evolving a paradigm shift for Nigeria, one that places high premium on merit and accountability above primordial tendencies.

Dalung also used the occasion to explain that most people don’t appreciate the dire situation the country was in when the present administration took over, saying the treasury was virtually empty, a situation he can attest to personally as a member of the Transitional Committee.

He further explained that with the unrelenting war against corruption and the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, loopholes for wastes and grafts are effectively being blocked and assured the public that the blockage will ensure adequate funding of the 2016 Budget and subsequent implementation of the All Progressives Congress programmes and policies that will impact positively on the lives of the people.

Dalong also said Nigeria youths are agitated that they are being denied the opportunity to perform effectively in the development of the country by elders who refuse to quit, adding: “There is a complete generation that is hanging with nowhere to move to.”

He also acknowledged that things are hard but urged Nigerians to believe in the present administration, saying President Buhari was ready to sacrifice whatever it takes to find solution to the problems confronting the youth.

Saying he sees his ministerial appointment as a clarion call to give the Nigeria youths a new orientation that will better their lives, the Minister enjoined the association to support him in achieving the feat and expressed appreciation to the members for their visit and enjoined them to feel free to offer any suggestion that is capable of moving the country forward.

Earlier, the Secretary and leader of delegation, Barrister Nguyilan Wakombo, explained that the visit to Dalong was to felicitate with him on his appointment and show that they are all proud of him.

Wakombo tendered the apology of the President of the association and Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, for not being present due to pressing official duty.

The association later presented a gift to Dalong and pledged their loyalty and support.