The Edo State Government has rolled out a two-week programme, including training, engagement and a road walk, among others to mark this year’s International Youth Day.
International Youth Day is marked every August 12 by the United Nations and its sister organizations to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.
The Edo State Commissioner for Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, Christopher Nehikhare, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration will sustain efforts at providing opportunities for youths in the state to reach their fullest potential, empowering them to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the state.
He said, “August 12, 2022, is International Youth Day which is celebrated across the globe and Edo State Government is having a broad celebration as it takes the issue of youth development in the state seriously.
“The theme adopted by the state government for this year’s celebration is ‘resetting our future, empowering our youths.”
He said the two-week activities lined up to commemorate the yearly event will commence on August 8, 2022, with a radio talk show, adding, “The talk show will focus on ‘leadership for societal and sustainable development: the effective use of the Internet.’
“On the 12th of August, there will be a joint session with Edo and Delta Youth Parliaments at the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) as the youths will be discussing and deliberating on the theme, ‘resetting our future, empowering our youths.’ This is important for the next generation especially as we move closer to the general election come 2023.”
The Commissioner continued: “On the 13th of August, there will also be a roadshow with all the youth organizations in Edo State. It will be a solidarity march across some streets in Benin City.
“The Edo State Government takes the issue of youths very seriously that is why the state can pride itself as a state with the highest employment rate of youths in Nigeria and our educational programme like EdoBest is one of the best as it’s been studied to be replicated.”
According to Nehikhare, “Youths dialogue and colloquium are parts of the programme lined up to celebrate Edo youths and the programme will commence from 8th to 21st of August 2022.
“The programme is being organised in collaboration with the youths as the government wants to engage them. All youth organisations in the state will be represented.
“The government is preparing a youth brigade to be better prepared for the future and engage the challenges. We are preparing them to take over from us. Edo youths are so talented that is why we have to keep them engaged to be able to contribute to the development of the state and society. We want to make it a yearly programme to help re-engineer our youths preparing them for the future.”
