From Rashidatb AbdulRahman, Minna
Governor Umar Mohammed Bago of Niger State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to place priority on entrepreneurship programmes towards addressing the yearnings and aspirations of youths in the state.
Governor Bago, who spoke through a Commissioner-Designate, Suleiman Isah stated this while addressing youths at the 2023 International Youth Day Celebration with the theme: “Green skills for youth: towards a sustainable world,” held at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, recently.
The Governor said the theme of this year’s International Youth Day celebration was appt and came at the right time when the youths needed to be engaged in skills that would better their lots as well as complement efforts in revamping economic situation in the state.
He noted that every August 12, is set aside to celebrate youths worldwide with focus on issues affecting their well-being.
The governor said they will continue to celebrate the energy and talents of the Nigerian youths, adding that the National Youth Day celebration provided a rare opportunity for meaningful engagement.
“I want to call on the youths not to be redundant, rather they should engage themselves on meaningful ventures that will add value to themselves and the society”.
In his remarks, Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Barr AbdulMalik Muhammad Sarikin Daji, who was represented by member representing Paikoro Constituency, Hon. Umar Nasiru, commended National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Niger State for or commemorating the day with activities aimed at creating awareness that would bring the youths under one umbrella to foster sustainable development.
The Speaker charged the youths of all ages to work on their talents as the day offers them the opportunity to reflect, take stock and chart a new youth action plan that would tackle youth restiveness in the society.
Also speaking, Council Chairman of Mokwa Local Government and a former Chairman, NYCN, Niger State Branch, Abdullahi Muregi emphasised the need for the government and private sector to continue to place priority on programmes that seek to empower the youths and give them a sense of belonging.
Hon. Muregi urged the Nigerian youths to take advantage of the numerous empowerment initiatives of the state and Federal Governments in agriculture and entrepreneurship programmes to become self-employed and offer opportunities for others.
In his welcome address at the occasion, Chairman, National Youth coyuncil of Nigeria, NYCN, Niger State Branch, Ambassador Abdullahi Muhammad Isyak said the shift towards an environmentally sustainable and climate friendly world was critical not only for responding to the global climate crisis but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
He said a successful transition towards a greener world will depend on the development of green skills in the population.
Amb. Isyak noted that as part of activities to commemorate the day, the council deemed it feet to create a website that would assist the youths in getting job opportunities with ease.
The ceremony featured public lecture by Habib Bello, launching of magazine and presentation of certificates to participants who engaged in various skills programmes.
