Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has urged youths in the country to proffer innovative but localized solutions to the nation’s challenges through valid and accurate research.
Bello, who made the call in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu, while commemorating the 2021 International Youths Day (IYD) on Thursday in Lokoja, also urged them to abhor divisive criticisms.
The governor hinted that young innovative thinkers that were ready to deploy such talents would fill leadership spaces in areas of the economy, politics, finance, and other spheres in the next generation.
He also said that Nigerian youths had now realized their roles in Nation Building, hence the continued clamor for power shift to the younger generation.
He noted that his government had largely promoted youth participation in governance and leadership because of its belief in their ability to bring about drastic and desired changes in the nation.
“Kogi State Government is further seeking means to improve on these track records,” he said.
On the theme of this year’s International Youths Day: “Transforming Food System: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health,” Bello urged the youths to embrace agriculture.
He reiterated his stance that youths were critical stakeholders in ensuring that the planet remained healthy.
He said, “Youths, as a matter of urgency, must get involved in Agricultural ventures while respective governments provide enabling environment and innovative means to ensure productivity.”
The governor attributed the rising concerns over food insecurity in the country largely to overreliance on subsistence farming practices using obsolete tools instead of adopting modern mechanized methods.
The situation, he said, had made many youths remain focused on other ventures away from Agriculture.
While congratulating all youths across the country on this year’s celebration of International Youth Day, Bello assured that subsequent years would enlist more youths in positions of impact.