On August 12 every year, programmes are organized to mark the International Youth Day. The global event initiated by the United Nations many years ago is seen as an avenue to celebrate the youths, while calling on the youths to position for leadership positions.
The President General of Kalabari Youth Council Worldwide, Amb. Godspower Madodoye while speaking during this year’s Youth Day Celebration, appealed to the Kalabari leadership and youths to always toe the path of peace and speak with one voice in order to occupy more relevant positions in politics rather than creating divisions.
He expressed gratitude to God that the Kalabari youth body is united, noting that peace and development can only be actualized when the stakeholders work collectively for the betterment of the kingdom. Peace of Kalabari land, he said should at all times supersede personal interest.
Godspower Madodoyie urged the youths to be engaged in agriculture to cushion the hard effect of poverty on the land and to provide an alternative means of livelihood than everyone looking up to white collar jobs.
He said if only the government can create a mechanized system of farming for the youths of each state, it would give the youths a new lease of life and take them off the roads.
The Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Rivers State Chapter, Chijioke Ihunwo in his speech said what is due the youths should be given to them because there is no more division and urged the youths to remain resolute and ensure that there is peace in their various communities.
He regretted that over 70% of crime in the society is committed by the youths.
He adviced the youths steer away from thuggery ahead of 2023 general elections, and rather prepare themselves to occupy political positions because they have the population to do so.
The Permanent Secretary of youth development, Rivers State, Dr. Roland Obed-Whyte who was represented by the Head of Youth Education and Councilling, Rev. Reuben lauded the youths for demonstrating unity of purpose for making the 2021 Youth Day a memorable one.
Their action he noted, is demonstration of capacity to move to the next level and prayed to see more collaborations.
The former leader of ASALGA Legislative Assembly, Hon. Orolosama Amachree admonished the youths to focus on building their capacity to be relevant in politics.
The Board Chairman of DAA3, Mpaka Botoye (JP) said his administration is ready to protect the future of Kalabari youths by working with them, giving them some level of skills, scholarship, and soft loan.
He lauded the youths of Kalabari kingdom for choosing peace and urged them to continue to be peaceful.
