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As Bayelsa State joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World International Day, August 12, youths in the state and Niger Delta in general have been advised not only to be exemplary in their conduct, but to uphold virtues that will bring glory and commendation to the state.
This admonition was made by the director-general of the Centre for Youth Development, Chief Ombu Okubokapo, while addressing a mammoth crowd of youths drawn from 105 wards 24 constituencies 3 senatorial districts and 8 local government areas of the state, as structured for administrative convenience, at the capital, Yenagoa.
He said it is high time Bayelsa youths shun negative vices like pipeline vandalism, kidnapping, cultism which are capable of scaring investors, but embrace peace, hard work and productivity, adding that the Governor Douye Diri-led ‘Prosperity administration’ knows the worth of the centre for youth development and is poised to galvanise efforts to empower them through empowerment programs.
“They need to be resilient and patient as the governor is ever ready to support the youths,” Okubokapo said.
The Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, was a one-time boss of the Centre for Youth Development during the administration of late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, the first civilian governor of the only homogenous Ijaw state and the ‘Jerusalem’ of the ethnic nationality.
The International Youth Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide with this year’s theme being: ‘Transforming Food Systems, Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.’
The DG said that the occasion was meant to educate Bayelsa youths and the public on issues of concern, to mobilise political will and resources to address global problems and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity, adding that the essence of the international youth day predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as powerful advocacy tool, youth being the most energetic force with the required mental capacity when provided the required knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive.
He noted that according to the United Nations “today there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24, accounting for 16% of global population. By 2030, the target date for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that makes the 2030 Agenda, the number of youths is projected to have grown by 7% to nearly 1.3 billion”
A guest lecturer, Fyneman Magbisa, from the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State also said the aim of the celebration was to give accolades to the youths being a productive force worldwide and an “energetic set of human in the world.”
He said the nomenclature for the youth bracket varies among nations, but with world population expected to increase by 2 billion people in the next 30 years, it has become recognised by numerous stakeholders that simply producing a larger volume healthier food more sustainably will not ensure human planetary well being.
He identified challenges that must also be addressed, such as the inter linkages embodied by 2030 agenda, including poverty reduction, social inclusion, health care, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
He said this year’s theme was apt as it highlights the successes of such global efforts which will not be achieved without meaningful participation of the young people, noting that “with mounting world challenges like global warming, climate change, flooding, the 21st century challenges all innovative ways to consume healthy diets.”
The erudite lecturer also dwelt on the importance of food preparation substance for sustaining life growth and food system as recipe for its consumption.
The member representing Ekeremor Constituency one in the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Hon Tare Porri, asked youths to draw inspiration from himself who was a one-time youth leader, later special adviser and currently among the twenty-four wise men that make laws for Bayelsa State.
He said “contrary to insinuations, Bayelsans have excelled and still distinguishing themselves in various human endeavours, notably the recent exploits recorded in the entertainment industry and sports. They should have the spirit of ‘It is possible.”
He also reminded them of the fact that there is no short cut to success, than hard work, determination, adding that they should stay away from inimical things that would jeopardise their future’
He reiterated the fact that Bayelsans are energetic, hardworking, resilient and ever ready to do exploit, noting that since February 14, 2020, when Governor Douye Diri came on board, Bayelsa State has not remained the same as he has continued to woo foreign investors, the most recent being the partnership deal he signed with South Korea.
Highlight of the occasion was a road-walk from the Central Ekeki Motor Park by tumultuous crowd to the venue, Golden Tulip, Onopa, Yenagoa.
