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As Bayelsa state joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World International Day, 12th August, the Youths of Bayelsa state in particular and Niger Delta in general have been advised not only be exemplary in their conducts, but to uphold virtues that will bring glory and commendation to the state .
This admonition was made by the Director – General of the Centre for Youth Development, Chief Ombu Okubukapo while addressing mammoth crowd of youths drawn from Ward, constituency, senatorial districts and local government areas as structured for administrative convenience at the Golden Tulip, Onopa – Yenagoa.
According to him it is high time Bayelsa youths shun negative vices like pipeline vandalism , kidnapping, cultism which are capable of scaring investors, but embrace peace , hard work and productivity as the present prosperity administration of senator Douye Diri knows the worth of the Centre for youth Development and is poised to galvanise efforts to empower them through empowerment programs. ” They need to be resilient as the governor is ever ready to support the youths”
The Bayelsa state governor, Senator Douye Diri was a boss of the Centre for Youth Development under the administration of late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha , the pioneer civilian governor of the only homogenous state and the Jerusalem of the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
The International Youth Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide with this year theme: Transforming Food Systems,Youth innovation for Human and planetary Health .
The DG, averred that the occasion was meant to educate Bayelsa youths and the public on the issues of concern , to mobilise political will and resources to address global problems and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity, adding that the essence of International youth day predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as powerful advocacy tool, youth being the most energetic force with the required mental when provided the knowledge and opportunities they needed to thrive.
He said according to the United Nations ” today there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24, accounting for 16% of global population. By 2030, the target date for the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) that make the 2030 Agenda.The numbers of youth is projected to have grown by 7% to nearly 1.3 billion”
A guest Lecturer, Fyneman Magbisa from the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta state also said the aim of the celebration was to give accolades to the youths being a productive force worldwide.” energetic set of human in the world”
He said the nomenclature for the youth brackets varies among nations, but with world population expected to increase by 2 billion people in the next 30 years,it has become recognised by numerous stakeholders that simply producing a larger volume healthier food more sustainably will not ensure human planetary well being.
He said other crucial challenges must also be addressed such as the inter linkages embodied by 2030 agenda including, poverty reduction ,social inclusion , health care , biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation.
He said this year theme was apt as it highlights the successes of such a global efforts will not be achieved without meaningful participation of the young people.
Also speaking , a member representing Ekeremor Constituency in Bayelsa House of Assembly, Hon Tare Porri used used the occasion to draw youths inspiration from himself who was a one time youth leader, later Special Adviser and currently among the twenty – four wise men that make laws for Bayelsa state.He said” contrary to insinuations, Bayelsans have excelled and still distinguishing themselves in various human endeavours , notably the recent exploits recorded in the entertainment industry and sports , they should have the spirit of it is possible”
He also reiterated the fact that there is no short cut to success , than productivity and they should stay away inimical things that would jeopardise their future’
Highlights of the occasion was a road walk from the Central Ekeki Motor Park by tumultuous crowd to the venue, Golden Tulip , Onopa, Yenagoa
