In this year’s International Youth Day (IYD), the Kwara state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) youth wing has felicitated with youth across the country
According to the chairman, Kwara State Youth CAN, Stephen A. Awoyale, this year’s theme, “Empowering Youth: Access to Healthcare, Education, Participation, and Employment,” underscores the significance of upholding youth rights in various domains.
Awoyale, while congratulating all Christian Youths in the State for the sacrifices, commitment, dedication to God’s work and maintaining peace and orderliness in the state, also emphasised on the youth’s confidence in building a strong nation.
He said, “I want to celebrate and appreciate all the Christian Youths in the State, for your sacrifices, commitment, dedication to God’s work and maintaining peace and orderliness in State. To let you know that we have great confidence in you we see you as not just ordinary young men and young women.
“God loves you as He loves each and every one of His children, and His desire and purpose and glory is to have you return to Him pure and undefiled, having proven yourselves worthy of an eternity of joy in His presence. Your Father in heaven is mindful of you.
“Remember, Satan is also mindful of you. He is committed to your destruction. He does not discipline you with commandments, but offers instead a freedom to “do your own thing”—the freedom to smoke, to drink, to engage in fornication, to do internet fraud, to misuse drugs or rebel against the counsel and commandments of God and His servants. Satan knows that you are young, at the peak of physical vigor, excited by the world, and consumed by new emotions,” he added.
The chairman also urged the leaders to institute policies that will impact the youtb in a positive way
“In this light, it is imperative to urge and implore our esteemed leaders to institute policies and initiatives that will positively impact the youth demography. We beseech them to be resolute in providing essential amenities and a nurturing atmosphere for their growth.
“Undeniably, the youth represent the foundation of our future, and fostering their development today is pivotal for a prosperous tomorrow. A paramount aspect of this endeavor is the commitment to an efficient healthcare system and equitable access to quality education.
Awoyale also called on the state government to extend its benevolent interventions to encompass the youth demography, more importantly in the context of palliatives and social welfare programs.
“It is important that the State Government extends its benevolent interventions to encompass the youth demography, particularly in the context of palliatives and social welfare programs. The youth, bearing the brunt of the Fuel Subsidy removal due to their substantial numbers, warrant special attention to alleviate their predicaments.
“Extending our gratitude to the Governor for demonstrating youth inclusivity and gender sensitivity within his administration, as the Governor holds the dual distinction of being the leader of our State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), we earnestly request for the inclusion of Christian youths in appointments and State functions.
“In conclusion, the advancement of our youth should be regarded as a primary concern, entailing a comprehensive approach encompassing healthcare, education, employment, and social support.
“As we celebrate International Youth Day, let us remember that our youth are not merely beneficiaries, but active participants in shaping a brighter future for Kwara State and the Country at large.