International Youth Day 2021: Sunday Dare Stresses Importance Of Young Nigerians

On the occasion of the International Youth Day 2021, Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports has submitted that Nigerian youths have a vital role to play in the actualisation of the 2030 Agenda.

The 2030 Agenda includes poverty reduction; social inclusion; health care; biodiversity conservation; and climate change mitigation.

The international youth day saw majority of youth and as National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members in attendance in Abuja, with several entertaining display by the cultural groups, dance Drama, drama and hosts of other activities to the admiration of the youths in attendance.

The 2021 International Youth Day celebration offers the world an opportunity to again implement timely policies that will harness the innovative talents of the youth development.

Dare said in his speech: "The theme for this year’s celebration: 'Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health', seeks to highlight the urgency of transforming food systems, particularly in the wake of a global pandemic. The theme also identifies youth engagement as a key factor to the transformation of food systems. This is in realization of the fact that success of such a global effort may not be achieved without the meaningful involvement and participation of young people."

"Without any iota of doubt, we now know that Youth innovation is a Catalyst needed to drive Development  in all its ramifications. With the increasing uptake  of technology as an enabler by a huge number of the younger generation, the innovative minds and skills of the youth will serve as the fuel for development.

 "Our world is increasingly technology-driven by a youthful generation of brilliant and innovative minds who are daring and ready to discover new frontiers through innovation.

"In line with the theme for this year’s celebration, therefore we at the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports are of the belief that when the youth are properly educated, engaged, with their innovation and entrepreneurial solutions, they will continue to play a very significant role in the actualization of the 2030 Agenda which include poverty reduction; social inclusion; health care; biodiversity conservation; and climate change mitigation.

"The Ministry, therefore uses the opportunity of this celebration to echo the voices of the youth and also assure them that government is committed to working towards more equitable food systems with their full involvement and participation."

Commending President Muhammadu Buhari's efforts on youth development, he said: "The President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, through the Ministry, line MDAs and other partners will step up awareness creation to enable our youth make informed decisions on food choices in line with the increasing global education on the healthiest and most sustainable options for both individuals and the environment. Government will create the enabling environment and inclusive support mechanisms to ensure that the youth continue to amplify efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life, while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems in line with the objectives of this year’s celebration."

Presently ongoing is the training of close to 5,000 Nigerian youth across the six geopolitical zones, in critical areas of green stimulus, digital skills, AI and Robotics, and clean and renewable energy.

Dare concluded saying: "I sincerely thank all our partners and line MDAs for honouring us with your esteemed presence on this special Day.

"Once again, I wish all Nigerian youths happy International Youth Day celebration."