Youths from all parts of Anambra state converged on the state capital, Awka in commemoration of the 2016 International Youth Day.
The event was the grand finale of a weeklong activity to mark the celebration, that included sensitization programmes and a symposium.
It featured match-past and other competitive activities by various youth organizations after which prizes were awarded.
Gov Willie Obiano was represented by the Commissioner for Youths, Entrepreneurship and Sports Development, Dr (Mrs) Uju Nworgu.
She inspected a guard of honour mounted for him by uniformed youth organizations.
She later took salute as the various organizations matched past.
The governor said his administration will not relent in its efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals as it affects youth’s empowerment and mobilization.
This, according to him, mainly targets to ensure their adequate inclusion in leadership processes.
Obiano revealed that he was very concerned about the increasing unemployment, drug abuse and other contemporary challenges which the youths face today.
As such, he is redoubling efforts at initiating programmes that will make them morally virile and economically independent so as to guarantee that they play their role effectively in the development of the society.
The address of the Youths Commissioner, Dr Nworgu was read by the Director of Youth Development in the Ministry, Mr Greg Onugbolu.
It says the essence of the celebrations in the state is to draw the consciousness of the society towards issues bordering on the welfare of youths.
Also, to remind the younger generation of their role in shaping the future of the state and the country.
Dr Timothy Ifedioranma noted that the state government’s youth empowerment module has remained a viable model which should be replicated by governments across the country, if the youths must rise from their present obscure state into relevance.
[Dr Ifedioranma is the lawmaker representing Njikoka One constituency in the State Assembly.]
In their separate remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Comrade Chinedu Obidigwe and the Special Assistant on Community Mobilization, Mr Samuel Odinye described youths as the life wire of any society.
They said Gov Obiano’s positive disposition towards youths’ issues holds brighter prospects for the state’s continued strive towards advancement.
The State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Frank Maduka noted that the marking of the international event in the state shows the premium that government places on the welfare of youths.
He harped on the need for the decentralization of government’s youth empowerment packages to reach the actual youths especially in the rural places.
From Chuks Collins, Awka