International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth . The first IYD was observed on 12 August , 2000. It’s pertinent to note that this year international youth day, with the theme: “Safe Spaces for Youth” is very important for Sustainable youth development in Kogi state. This is because the youth need safe space where they can come together, engage in activities related to our diverse needs and interest, and participate in decision-making process to freely express themselves.
Kogi Youth Advocacy Cluster which is a coalition of Non-governmental Organization NGOs, Civil Society Organization CSOs, Youth focused group and Community Based Organization CBOs held a press conference on Kogi Youth Development Commission Bill to commemorate the International Youth Day 2018 on the 13th of August 2018 at the National Union of Journalist NUJ Press Centre Lokoja Kogi State. Kogi Youth Development Commission Bill is a necessary tool for youth empowerment and development. This bill would not have come at a better time than now that the world is turning attention to youth development. In line with the United Nations 2018, International Youth Day theme, this bill also seeks to advocate for “Safe Spaces For Youths”.
The bill shall help to create jobs & economic development opportunities through a legally established independent and recognized institution. Saddled solely with this important responsibility. It will attract counterpart funding from federal government and International donor agencies to fund youth development programs and activities in the state.
Okwutepa Aminu Oseni Cordinator Kogi Youth development Commission Bill #KYDC Bill giving a press briefing during the press conference at National Union of Journalist NUJ Press Centre Lokoja.
ActionAid Nigeria and Participation Initiative For Behavioural Change in Development PIBCID a Non – Governmental Organization in Kogi State whose core objective is “modifying behavior for positive change” and also an advocate for“Social Justice” offered technical support to the group by setting up an advocacy roundtable discussion on the bill which was held in Abuja on the 23rd of June 2018 and also supported the group with Information, Education and Communication IEC materials to help drive the campaign.
We are Solidly behind the great youths of Kogi State, for this bill will bring about sustainable development and will also reduce youth restiveness in the State. – Mrs Gift Omoniwa Executive Director Participation Initiative For Behavioural Change in Development PIBCID, also representing ActionAid Nigeria.
It is my earnest desire that we call for public hearing on this bill as soon as possible and expedite further action towards having a robust law for the development of youth in the State. – Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, representating Ankpa 1 Constituency at the Kogi State House of Assembly, the lead sponsor of the KYDCBILL.
Press men at the conference asking questions and commending youths for this great step taken.
The advocacy for the establishment of the bill was conducted against the background of poor funding, lack of collaboration and synergy between government agencies responsible for employment generation and implementation, lack of policy for sustainable youth programs which has emancipated poor youth orientation and mindset skill gap, high unemployment rate, under employment, youth restiveness and other social vices in the State.
This bill shall help to create jobs and economic development opportunities through a legally established independent and recognized institution. Therefore the Sustainability of this bill is paramount- Mr. Umar Danasebe Mohammed Executive Director Hands Across Africa Development Initiative
Group Photo at the press conference
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