By Elijah Ugani
The wife of Cross River State governor, Linda Ayade says there is need for government at all levels to protect the youths to ensure they maximize their potentials as they are the answer to future problems.
Ayade stated this recently in Calabar during a round table discussion with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Girls Power Initiative (GPI), After School Center for Career Development and Development Office in her office recently as part of activities marking the 2016 International World Youth Day.
Represented by a Special Adviser in her office, Philomena Inyang, Ayade said that; “Responsible governments invest in youths by formulating policies that protects them from harmful practices that limit their development. This section of the society is the ticket to our collective future and failure to recognize this fact can only lead to an uncertain future. I challenge all the young people to get (an) education and you will never go wrong. Times are hard but no excuse is enough for (the) future”.
On his part, the UNFPA Executive Director, Babatunde Osotimehin represented by Lanre Alade said that the UNFPA pride is partnering with young people in more than 150 countries to promote their participation in leadership, “enabling them to overcome barriers, spearhead innovations and unleash their full potentials”.
“The government, development partners and other influencers (should push) for government to enact policies that promote young people’s development and human right, young people must be engaged as partners in achieving these goals as they are the generation that will inherit this planet” Alade added.
Also, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Ifeoma Anidobi pledged the scheme continuous support to youth development and pointed out that “It is already tackling poverty through the skill acquisition and entrepreneurial development (SAED) program, as well as (being) involved in preaching and promoting unity across the country”.