• As state marks International Youth Day

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has urged the Nigerian youth to continue to be peaceful, shun all forms of vices, and engage in activities that drive them towards their life goals.

Speaking in Ilorin at an event to commemorate the International Youth Day, the Governor specifically hailed the Kwara youths for always choosing peace over chaos and hope over despair in response to some national events.

“As we celebrate the International Youth Day today, I expect that you will leave this gathering with better insights and resolve on how to become greater through education, ethical use of the new media, hard work, productive engagements, and positive thinking,” the Governor said.

He was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Forestry Nafisat Musa Buge.

“I also want you to pick the right network of friends and choose a brighter future, dignity and self respect, and good health over hard drugs, crimes, and the humiliation that comes with it,” he said.

The Governor said the International Youth Day is celebrated every 12th of August to recognise the relevance, power, potentials, and contributions of young people to our world.

The theme for this year is ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’.

The programme was organized by the State Ministry of Youth Development, and was attended by a galaxy of youth across different segments.

It featured paper presentations by three personalities, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development Dr Lawal Olohungbebe; Dr Tayo Simon Arinde from University of Ilorin; and a former Commissioner of Information in the state, Mr Ben Dutoye.

AbdulRazaq thanked the youth in the state for choosing the path of peace during the last national protest, pledging that his administration will continue to prioritise programmes and projects that will give them a fair shot at life.

“I am particularly proud of how you all chose peace over chaos and hope over despair in response to some national events. Your response has become a national reference in how young people handle sensitive issues. I assure you that our administration will continue to prioritize programmes, projects, and initiatives that give young people a fair shot at life,” he said.

He said the theme of the event aligns with his government’s commitment to empowering the youth and harnessing their potentials to drive sustainable development leveraging sound education, technology, and the new media.

“If you look critically at many of our projects and programmes, you can see how they have been conceived to offer you a brighter future. From Innovation Hub, Sugar Film Factory, Visual Arts Centre, and the Garment Factory, and a few others, we are clear-eyed about what we want for our young people in line with the global trends,” he said.

“As we gather here, we have public school students enrolled in our free summer coding and digital literacy classes across the three senatorial districts. The idea is to empower them with the right skill sets and the orientation to thrive in the digital age.”

Attendees at the event included the Kwara House of Assembly Speaker Rt Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi, represented by Hon. Rukayat Shittu; the Minister of Youth Development Dr Jemilah Bio, who was represented by Mallam Shakiru Akorede; state cabinet members and other officials of government; State Commissioner for Youth Development Hon Ndanusa Usman; President of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kwara Chapter, Comrade Nasiru Yusuf Ali; members of NYSC; and many youth organisations.

Rt. Hon. Danladi, for his part, said it is essential to recognise that the voices and potentials of our youth are integral to building a sustainable future for our planet and urged young people to continue to explore vital connections between digital innovation and sustainable development.

“As we embrace the digital era, remember that technology is not an end but a means to create sustainable pathways forward. It is our responsibility as the youth to harness the set tools effectively, ensuring they serve the greater good,” he said.

Dr. Olohungbebe, in his presentation, tasked the youth to always make themselves available for community services even if such engagements earn them no kobo, saying posterity will reward them one day.

He decried the rate at which some youth are fond of using social media to expose only negativities in their surroundings or about their leaders, and advised them to turn a new leaf.

Dr Arinde, ìn his submission, eulogized Governor AbdulRazaq for his administration’s disposition and unwavering commitment to youth development, adding that digital pathway is the turning point for youth development and sustainability.

Duntoye, in his remarks, said the youth in the state have had it so good under the administration of Governor AbdulRazaq, and commended how the government continues to engage the youth meaningfully.

He requested the government and wealthy individuals to adequately support volunteer groups in the society, saying the spirit of volunteerism is dying because the volunteers don’t get the needed support.