By: Edgerton Onah
"In the pursuit of holistic human capital development, our youths play a pivotal role, transcending mere entertainment to become a catalyst for economic growth for societal advancement."
With these words the Youths Development Commissioner, Barr. Ijom Ukam launched the discussions aimed at institutionalizing youths training programmes phase one, across a broad spectrum of creative human capacity building.
"As a Ministry, it would remain a platform whose programmes will enable young people to realize their potential through the People's First agenda of the present administration" Ukam restated.
Hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development, the discussants included critical stakeholders from Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) such as; Women Affairs, Wealth Creation and Employment, Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Social Welfare and Due Process to design a workable framework toward the implementation of youth development programmes.
Offering a brief insight into the programmes the consultant, Dr. Solomon Edebiri asserted that it is a robust youths' development framework which would harness and nurture talents, foster new skills-on-Hands, towards enhancing the state's socioeconomic standing.
"It serves as a breeding ground for talent, established in partnership with the Ministry; it is a well-structured development programme which identifies and cultivates budding entrepreneurial athletes from a young age, providing them with the necessary training and resources to excel in their chosen discipline.
"This is not only to harnesses individual potential but also contributes to a nation's pool of skilled athletes, fostering competitiveness on the global stage," he added.
In her remarks, Dr. Abigail Duke, Commissioner for Commerce maintained that the exercise will not only harness individual potential but also contribute to the state's pool of skilled manpower to enhance competitiveness in creative endeavors.
The Commissioner Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Helen Isamo will serve as a veritable platform to instil discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
"These qualities, cultivated through rigorous training and competition, extend into networking with beneficiaries navigating challenges, cope with pressure, and collaborate seamlessly, she asserted.
Dr. Abigail Orok, Commissioner for Commerce speaking says promoting youth empowerment at the grassroots level was novel as it will encourage widespread participation.
"Such programmes would not only combat sedentary lifestyles but also lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient society with vibrant youth blood in charge of the economy," the Commerce Commissioner explained.
On a scale, successful Youths' empowerment programmes contribute significantly to all round development, " Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom hinted.
Also speaking, Mr. Patrick Egbede, Commissioner for Wealth Creation, urged members to support the initiative bearing in mind that it was for the good of the people of the state.
Dr Egbede said that promoting youth empowerment at the grassroots level is equally essential most and adopting Community-based initiatives and accessible facilities would further encourage participation.
"This will address restiveness among the young population, check idleness as well as lay a foundation for technology hubs," he added.
On her part, Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, affirmed that successful Youths' empowerment integrated with sports development programmes will contribute significantly to a state's soft power
She opined that such achievements would remain indelible and a source of state pride as well as become a uniting force under a common banner.
