By Monday Danladi
Nigeria's Youths have been urged to be positive and impactful change agents in order to build a virile nation that can stand tall among the comity of nations.
The call was made by the Director General, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Office , Bauchi State, Lydia J. Shehu on the occasion of the 2025 International Youth Day with the theme: "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond" held at the palace of the District Head of Yelwan Duguri Community, Alkaleri LGA.
Lydia Shehu in her speech stated that Youths in Nigeria are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but builders of today and great torch bearers that should lighten the path of progressive, transformational and impactful future for a greater Nigeria.
She particularly stressed that the target is to in particular make the youths in Bauchi State more focused and engaging.
According to her, "You hold the creativity, energy and vision to turn the Sustainable Development Goals into living realities in our communities and all levels of governance. But to fulfil this potential, our young people must shun vices, reject criminal tendencies, and turn away from destructive shortcuts."
She stressed that,"Instead, embrace selfless service, entrepreneurship, hard work, resilience and unshakable pursuit of education. Education is more than certificates, it is empowerment, it is self-reliance, and it is the foundation of meaningful contribution to society."
The DG SDGs added that,"Under the visionary leadership of a renowned rare gem, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON (Kauran Usmaniya), the Executive Governor, Bauchi State has witnessed remarkable progress. In health, new primary healthcare centres have been established, maternal and child health services expanded, and access to essential care strengthened."
Lydia Shehu added that,"In education, classrooms have been built, teachers' recruitment on-going, and scholarships awarded, opening doors for our children and youth to pursue educational goals within and beyond borders."
Furthermore, She added that, "The environmental initiatives from planting to flood control and waste management are safeguarding our communities for the future and I call on you the youth to be part of this crusade to protect the ecosystem.
"In infrastructure, roads, rural electrification, and water supply schemes are frantic efforts by government to ensure the people are connected for better access ease of doing business and enhanced livelihoods opportunities importantly, through human capital development programmes, thousands of young men and women have been trained in vocational skills, supported with start-up resources, and linked to employment pathways which this though small but when put to use can bring enduring legacies in your lives and an amazing stepping stone to greater initiative that takes you miles away in your life's' journey for self-reliance," She added.
According to her, "But these achievements are not ends in themselves, they are platforms for you, the youths, to seize and multiply. You are called not to wait for an opportunity to knock, but to create it. You can transfer challenges into stepping stones, and in doing so, lift your communities forward and keep improving your lives for better."
The SDGS office deeply appreciated UNFPA for its unwavering support in advancing youths development, reproductive health, and gender equality in Bauchi State and for the steadfast partnership over the years.
"As we commemorate this day, I charge every young person: Be the reason your community moves forward. Be the hand that lifts others. Be the voice that speaks for peace, progress, and justice. Remember, great nations are built not by wishful thinking but by determined action and the time for that action is now," Lydia Yusuf concluded.
"Our gratitude also goes to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination for being the backbone that aligns vision with action and for the commitment and support and to every participant here for making youth development a collective mission," She added.
Representatives of line MDAs commended SDGs for having the 2025 International Youths Day celebration in the rural settings in tandem with the theme of the year, agreeing that it will further educate and enlighten the youths at the grassroots.
In his vote of thanks, the District Head of Yelwan Duguri, Alh. Ibrahim YM Baba, expressed gratitude for choosing his community for the 2025 celebration.
Represented by Mal Ibrahim S. Yaki, the District Head, assured that he will continue to mobilize the youths to be good citizens and supportive to the government in all ramifications.
During the celebrations, lectures were delivered by invited experts just as the youths were taught different skills acquisition ventures.
0 Comments