October 12, 2022

The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOC) has declared support for the upcoming Nigerian Youth in Governance Summit slated for Nov. 29 and 30.

Dr. Tunji Asaolu, AU-ECOSOC, Nigerian Representative said this in Abuja at a meeting with the Organising Committee of the Summit.

Asaolu applauded the National Assembly for providing mentorship platforms for the youth, while urging them to take advantage to work for peace, good governance and development of their country at all levels.

He said in spite of his numerous engagements, he would always create time to attend to issues relating to youth and development.

He urged the young people to key into the agenda 2063 of the African Union to strengthen the nation and the continent, while assuring them of the support of the African Youth International Development Foundation AFYIDEF.

Mr. Goodnews Ehiabhi, the lead consultant, said that the summit theme was “Unlocking the youth for Intergenerational Solidarity and Sustainable Development.”

He said that the summit was more than just another youth-centred gathering, adding that it would create a unique opportunity for redefining and remodelling the approach to achieving national cohesion.

He said it would bring development through intergenerational solidarity and collaboration, adding that It would reposition the experience, enthusiasm nexus for greater effectiveness in nation building.

He listed the objectives of the summit to include galvanising multisectoral and multi-ethnic support and commitment to increased youth inclusion in high-level governance.

He said that it would also optimise the innovative potentials and capabilities of young people for institutional strengthening within the public, private and informal sectors.

Ehiabhi said that the summit would help validate the relevance of young people in assuring political stability and economic sustainability through deliberate, goal-oriented mentorship.

He said that it would expand the reach and scope of new and existing socioeconomic intervention programmes and activities with focus on leveraging and maximising youth-centric opportunities for greater effectiveness.

Ehiabhi said that it would also reaffirm the imperative of national building by incentivising and rewarding youth programmes with direct impact on social reform and system development.

He said ” it will nurture a new and emerging generation of political and economic leaders through significant multidimensional investments in social change Programmes”.

The meeting was led by its Chairman, Mr. Nesimone Omamuyowvi and the Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament Mr. Azeezat Yishawu.

The summit committee was inaugurated by the Clerk of the National Assembly on Sept. 15 at the AU-ECOSOCC office as part of their engagement with the various stakeholders towards the success of the event. (NAN)