The International Youth Day saw majority of youth and National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members in attendance during the event as the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, celebrated with several entertaining displays by cultural groups, dance dramas, and hosts of other activities.
This year’s International Youth Day celebration at Sheraton Hotel in Abuja, offers the world an opportunity to again implement timely policies that will harness the innovative talents of the youth development.
“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,” Minister Dare said.
“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,” Dare added.
“Without any iota of doubt, we now know that Youth innovation Is a Catalyst needed to drive Development in all it’s 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 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,” Dare said.
“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.”
Minister Dare also commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s effort on youth development.
“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,” Dare said.
“The 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 of the week in critical areas of green stimulus, digital skills, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and clean and renewable energy.
“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 youth happy International Youth Day celebration,” Dare concluded.
