President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has called for the creation of sustainable opportunities and empowerment programmes for young Nigerians to enable them play their role in the governance of the country.
Saraki, according to a statement by his Special Adiviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, gave the charge in his goodwill message to commemorate the International Youth Day 2017, on Saturday, August 12.
Speaking on the theme of the event, which is, ‘Youth Building Peace’, Saraki emphasized that ending youth restiveness and attaining peace can only be actualized and maintained through concerted effort by government’s across all levels to take the development of young people as a national priority.
The President of the Senate said: “Today, on International Youth Day, we celebrate the endless potential and constant innovativeness of Nigeria’s young people, both at home and abroad.
“This day provides an opportunity for all of us, both youth and adults alike, to reflect on the future of our nation; to decide on the active and participatory role that we want our young people to play in the governance of our country; and to work towards building a nation that the upcoming generation would be proud of.
“The 8th Senate remains committed to furthering the opportunities of our young people. Through our work on educational initiatives like the amendment of the UBEC Act, we hope to develop the minds of our young ones — to make them competitive internationally.
“With our push to restructure our existing access to finance laws, we hope to provide more opportunities for young people — to make them self-sufficient and employers of labour.
“Additionally, last month’s passage of the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill as part of the Constitutional Amendment, is a clear indication that this Senate is ready and willing to welcome more young Nigerians into positions of government.
“This has been done because now more than ever, with the state of our present-day economy, our nation must bridge its generational divides and work together to forge a new Nigeria.
“For Nigeria to work for all its citizens, the fiery ingenuity of our youth must be blended with the dependable experience of our older generation. In this regard, I urge all young Nigerians, to continue contributing their quota to the upliftment our nation.
“I also urge the older generation to see this day as a turning point — when they embrace the recommendations that our young people have to proffer to move our nation forward,” the President of the Senate said.
