As the world commemorates International Youth Day, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has highlighted the importance of youth as a catalyst for sustainable development.
In her message to the youth to mark the 2024 Youth Day, the minister emphasized that the FCT Administration recognises the significance of taking real action, rather than just talking, when it comes to the progress and development of the youth.
She emphasised that the current FCT Administration places a high priority on youth development, as evidenced by the establishment of a Youth Secretariat.
She said: “It may interest you to note that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, our result-oriented Honourable minister, Nyesom Wike, has secured approval for the establishment of a Youth Secretariat and has appointed a Mandate Secretary who is one of you”.
While assuring that the Administration would continue to rekindle the hope of its youths to a secure future, the minister, however, charged them to always embrace dialogue instead of confrontation in all cases.
“The import of this is that dialogue promotes mutual understanding and matured crisis management for development and growth,” she affirmed.
Mahmoud, who described this year’s theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”, as apt, emphasised the role of digital technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The campaign aims to put a spotlight on digital initiatives and solutions led by youth and those that engage with youth. Through their digital networks they are not just connecting to millions but bringing social change and benefiting the disadvantaged in society,” she explained.
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According to a statement issued on Monday by her Special Assistant Media, Austine Elemue, the minister however, called on all stakeholders in youth development to join hands with the Administration to develop the youth through the provision of qualitative education, recreation/sporting facilities, and youth empowerment programmes.
Mahmoud said: “Let us all get the youths seriously involved in the task of nation-building and socio-economic development because when you build the youth you are building the nation”.
Since 1999, August 12 every year, has been observed as the International Youth Day as declared by the United Nations through the adoption of Resolution 54/120.
It is a day set aside to provide governments and other stakeholders in youth development with the opportunity to draw attention to youth-related issues.