By Femi Atolagbe

Ondo State Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said the current government will continue to encourage increased youth participation in governance in line with the ‘Not-too-young-to-Run’ Law.

He added that the government realised the need to promote investment in youth to improve their prospects for a better future.

Aiyedatiwa stated this at the 2023 International Youth Day (IYD)celebration held in Akure, the state capital.

The theme for this year’s celebration is; Green Skills for Youth, towards a sustainable world.

He noted that the “theme” is linked to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the world has embarked on a green transition.

“The shift towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly world is critical, not only for responding to the global climate crisis, but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said: “A successful transition towards a greener world will depend largely on the development of green skills of the youth population.

“Green skills include knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society.

“Without pretence, one of the fundamental global challenges facing the youth is unemployment.

“This has been largely responsible for their involvement in all shades of social vices.

“There is therefore an urgent need to change this negative consequences.

“It is my belief that the solution to these challenges lies in the appropriate value re-orientation and institutional restructuring of our educational system.”

Aiyedatiwa added, that successful transition towards a greener world will depend largely on the development of green skills of the youth population.

“We therefore look up to you as resourceful assets to be focused and innovative in this regard.

“In addition, government will continue to invest in your education and natural talents to enhance the sustainable peace in our State.”

In his welcome address, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Bamidele Ologunloluwa, commended the state government for it’s support to the Youth populace .

He added that the initiative behind the International Youth Day was targeted at promoting the general well-being and livelihood of young people with its priority focus on education employment, poverty and hunger.

Also targeted were: the environment, drug abuse , juvenile delinquency, leisure-time activities, health, girls and women,HiV/ AIDs , information communication technology, Inter- generated issues armed conflict,the impact of globalisation and the full effective participation of youth in socio-economics development and decision making process.

Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ondo State chapter, Ogunmololawa Matthew Adewale urged youths to be patriotic and remember that they are the future of the country.

“We should ensure whatever we do is for the progress of the state and the country at large”

While presenting a paper titled: Green Skills for Youth, towards a sustainable world, Mr Mayokun Iyaomolere harped on the need for a sustainable education in the state.