The Anambra State Commissioner for Youths, Entrepreneurship and Sports Development, Dr Uju Nworgu, over the weekend hailed the administration of Governor Willie Obiano for exhibiting genuine commitment in involving the youths in its programmes and policies, saying that in so doing, he has made them the mainstream of the state administration.

She made the declaration in Awka during a press conference at the ministry’s multipurpose hall to mark the 2016 International Youth Day.

Dr. Nwogu noted that the State Government had keyed into the vision of the UN and was marking the celebration to raise the consciousness of the critical stakeholders towards issues bordering on the welfare of the youth and the need to accord them their rightful place in the nation's scheme of affairs.

According to the commissioner, this year’s theme was apt considering the kind of inputs the State Government was making in view of the state’s dwindling economy, to create job and wealth generating avenues for youths in the state.

She maintained that in its bid to enthrone effective youth development, the Obiano administration has opened up skills acquisition opportunities for youths in partnership with the private sector and also encouraged their renewed active participation in sports.

“The renewed support, the youths are getting have already started yielding success with Anambra youths winning laurels at both national and international sporting competitions once again,” she stated.

Nwogu also added that the significant efforts made by Governor Obiano has made the Agricultural sector in the state more robust for participation by youths with many now seeking wealth creation opportunities in the sector.

“With all these dedicated efforts, the onus now is for the youths to reciprocate by being good ambassadors of the state and imbibing the morals enshrined in the ten shared values of the state.

“I urge parents to be more sensitive to issues pertaining to the youths to be able to guide them alright,” Nworgu said.

The International Youth Day celebration, which was instituted by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, is marked globally on August 12 every year.

This year’s theme, “The Road to 2030; eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable consumption and production,” has already commenced in the state with series of activities and will climax with a grand rally at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, where various youth organisations will undergo a competitive match past and other activities after which prizes will be awarded to outstanding groups.

Update news