By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As Nigeria marks the 2024 International Youth Day, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has said that youths are a catalyst for sustainable development.
Mahmoud who said this in her message to the youth to mark the 2024 youth day, on Monday noted that the FCT Administration recognizes the dangers of paying lip service to matters relating to the advancement and development of the youth.
The minister emphasised that the incumbent FCT Administration places a high premium on youth development hence the creation 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, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has secured approval for the establishment of a Youth Secretariat and has appointed a Mandate Secretary who is one of you.”
Mahmoud gave assurance that the Administration would continue to rekindle the hope of its youths to a secured future, 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 noted.
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.
Furthermore, she urged 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”.
The United Nations in 1999 through the adoption of Resolution 54/120 had declared August 12 of every year as the International Youth Day
It is a day set aside by governments and other stakeholders in youth development with the opportunity to draw attention to youth related issues.
