International Youth Day: Okowa Hails Youth’s Contributions to Nation Building
ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has commended Nigerian youths for their tenacity and hard-work at all times despite the challenging times they faced.
In a statement in Asaba on Sunday to commemorate the 2018 International Youths Day Celebration themed “Safe Spaces for Youths”, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Charles Aniagwu, quoted the Governor as saying Nigerian youths have excelled in different parts of the world by bringing honour and glory to the country.
He recalled that the youths have played active roles in nation building and assured that his administration would continue to sustain youth oriented programmes targeted at creating jobs for the unemployed in the state.
While enumerating some programmes initiated by his administration to impact the youth, he revealed that the State Innovation Hub is one of the “Safe Spaces” the youths can take advantage of to gain more knowledge on the ever increasing world of technology.
The statement read in part; “I am delighted to commemorate this occasion, the third of such celebration since I took office in 2015.
“The roles that young Nigerians played as the bedrock, hope and future of our society cannot be over-emphasised.
“Our government is a youth oriented and friendly one. I would like to use this opportunity to assure you of our commitment to improving the quality of your lives and to creating opportunities for you to achieve your dreams and ambitions.
“We are mindful of the growing unemployment rate in the country, hence we have launched a number of initiatives targeted at expanding the economic opportunities available to young Deltans. Our YAGEP, STEP, GEEP, PPSP and other programmes have created no less than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs for our youths. These are just some of the many initiatives we have designed and are implementing for you,”
He advised the youths to stay away from vices like cultism, drug abuse, armed robbery, kidnapping and other crimes that are capable of truncating their life aspirations and urged them to embrace hardwork, diligence, honesty and integrity which can help them realise their life goals.
“You are the strength and future of our state and country. Please be assured that this administration will continue to create an enabling environment for you to realize your potentials.
“I wish you all a Happy International Youth Day celebration.” the Governor wrote.
