The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has challenged Nigerian youths to be focused and committed to attaining their potentials as the world celebrates the 2020 international Youth Day.
Dare’s advice was contained in a statement signed by the Director Press, in the Ministry, Mrs. Lere-Adams Adjobome, on Wednesday, in Abuja. The theme of the celebration was “Challenging Youths to Global Action.’’
The General Assembly of the UN had in 1999, endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers, responsible for Youths in Lisbon, for Aug. 12 to be declared International Youth Day.
Dare said the theme sought to highlight ways in which engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels could enrich national and multilateral institutions and processes.
“The day gives an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions, and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal, and equitable engagement.’’
The minister also said it would draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics could be significantly enhanced.
Dare said the celebration had become imperative because Nigerian youths had demonstrated courage, resilience, and enterprise which raised hope of a greater future for the country.
“On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, I congratulate all Nigerian youths on the occasion of the World Youth Day.
“The 2020 theme, `Challenging Youths to Global Action’, is not only auspicious but timely, instructive and in resonance with the government’s plans to re-position the teeming youths for a better tomorrow,’’ he said.
