The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has called for a renewed focus on integrity, honesty and responsible leadership as critical tools for addressing unemployment and driving national development.
Speaking during a Father’s Day celebration, the Minister stressed the need to raise men and young people who possess strong moral values and leadership qualities capable of transforming families, communities and society.
According to him, men continue to play vital leadership roles in homes, workplaces and society, making it important to nurture a generation of leaders built on discipline, loyalty, credibility and transparency.
Drawing lessons from the biblical story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Mr. Ibrahim noted that leadership and positions of responsibility should be entrusted to competent individuals with integrity and the right values.
He expressed concern over the growing trend where some businesses prefer hiring foreign workers despite the availability of qualified local professionals, attributing the situation partly to concerns over trust, loyalty and work ethics.
The Minister said many organisations continue to struggle due to poor leadership, nepotism, favouritism and tribalism, which often result in unqualified individuals occupying key positions.
He therefore challenged the youth to develop strong character, professionalism and integrity to make themselves employable and dependable in the job market.
Mr. Ibrahim also urged entrepreneurs and business owners to create opportunities for young people while promoting merit-based recruitment instead of favouritism and tribal considerations.
He stressed the need for both academic excellence and moral development, noting that society must intentionally train young people to become not only intellectually capable but also ethically grounded.
The Minister further called on churches and community leaders to play active roles in shaping the character of young people and promoting values that will strengthen institutions and support national development.
As part of activities marking Father’s Day, he also encouraged fathers and men to identify challenges within their communities and contribute towards solving them through meaningful social interventions.
Mr. Ibrahim commended initiatives aimed at supporting healthcare delivery and community development, describing such efforts as vital to improving lives and strengthening local communities. 
