2024: NYCN President tasks youths on education, skill development

… Says Council is committed to shaping Nigeria’s destiny

As Nigerian ventured into the new year 2024, the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, President, Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo has saluted the dynamism and resilience of Nigeria youths throughout the just ended year 2023.

He, however charged them to embrace the New Year, which, he said symbolizes new opportunities and fresh beginnings.

Towards this end, he tasked them on education and skill development.

The NYCN President in a New Year message personally signed on Sunday acknowledged that the year 2023 put the country’s and youth leaders’ resilience to the test, but it also demonstrated youth leadership’s capacity for innovation, adaptation, and overcoming hardship.

“Every adversity gave us strength, and every failure taught us lessons that will help us move forward,” he said.

Charging the youths on opportunities in the year ahead, Ambassador Sukubo in the message said “as we venture into 2024, let us carry with us the wisdom gained from our experiences and the collective strength of our unity.

“The NYCN is not just the umbrella body of Nigeria Youth’s organization; it is a force of young minds committed to shaping the destiny of Nigeria. Together, we are architects of change, and our actions will echo through the corridors of time.

“As Youth leaders, we must show commitment to nurturing the potential of every Nigerian youth and harnessing that potential for the sustainable development of our great nation. Empowerment is not merely a buzzword; it is a call to action, a mandate that demands our collective effort and dedication.

“To million of Nigerian Youths, as we step into 2024, let us renew our commitment to education and skill development. Knowledge is power, and an educated youth is an empowered force capable of transforming societies. The NYCN will strive to collaborate with stakeholders to enhance educational opportunities, promote vocational training, and bridge the digital divide that hinders the progress of our youth.

“The necessity of economic empowerment is equally crucial. We acknowledge that there are still many obstacles related to unemployment, and the NYCN will fight for laws that encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and support small and medium-sized businesses. Our mission is to enable young Nigerians to not only look for work but also to create it.

“Also, NYCN under my leadership will actively engage in initiatives that promote the well-being of our youth. As we confront global health challenges, we must prioritize preventive healthcare, mental health awareness, and access to quality healthcare services. The health of our youth is not just a personal matter but a collective responsibility that we, as a nation, must embrace.

“Another essential component of empowerment is civic engagement. The NYCN will further up its efforts to promote young people’s active engagement in the political process in the upcoming year. We shall push for the participation of young people in all governmental decision-making processes. Because only when it reflects the diversity and energy of our youth will our democracy be able to flourish.”

He called on every member of NYCN and Nigeria youths by extension to be ambassadors of positive change in their communities.

“Let us lead by example, demonstrating integrity, humility, and a relentless commitment to the betterment of our society. Together, we can build a future that our youth deserve—a future of prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable development,” he said.