The Scout Association of Nigeria, at the weekend, held a farewell party for the 28-man contingent to the 16th World Scout Moot coming up in Portugal from July 25 to August 3, 2025.
Speaking at the farewell party held at the Oba Akenzua II International Scout Centre, Benin City, Edo State, the Secretary, International Department, the Scout Association of Nigeria, Emmanuel Eseine, said that of the number, 10 were drawn from the Edo Command of the association.
Eseine added that the programme, tagged Portugal 2025, was for the youth wing of Scouting.
Seeing who also doubles as the Edo State Scout Commissioner for Scouting, told the participants that it was a huge privilege and not a right to represent the country, urging them to make the country proud at the event.
He said, “Scouting is an international organisation with the aim to develop the potential of a young boy or girl in order for them to take a contributive place in the society of tomorrow.
“The World Scout Moot is a programme for the youth wing of Scouting. It comes up every four years, and the 16th World Scout Moot is taking place in Portugal from 25th July to 3rd August, 2025.
“For this 16th World Scout Moot, Nigeria has a contingent of 28 Scouts representing the country. Let me use this opportunity to inform all participants that it is a huge privilege for us to be representing our dear country and not a right.
“Therefore, let us be conscious of making the Portuguese Embassy that granted us the Entry Clearance visa very proud.
“Let us make the state government, especially the Edo State Governor; Senator Monday Okpebholo, proud for sponsoring six of the participants.
“Let us make our local government proud, our parents proud, and other multinational organisations that have supported us proud. Let us make Nigeria and Africa proud, and above all, let us make the scout movement proud.”
He said the contingent could make the country proud by coming out in their best behaviour during the World Scout Moot programme by staying away from harm in Portugal and by returning to Nigeria after the programme to impact on others that were not privileged to attend the Moot.
He said this would encourage sponsors and supporters to back the scout in their future endeavours.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Aina Balogun, urged the contingent to be good ambassadors of the country in Portugal.
She commended the state government for sponsoring six of the contingent, noting that the gesture would inspire other youths in the state.
Recall that two years ago, the country took part at the World Jamboree in South Korea with 154 Scouts, and Edo State sponsored 27 scouts to join the national contingent.
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