… Promises to create continental platform to share ideas
The President of Burundi, ππ―ππ«π’π¬πππ¬ ππππ²π’π¬π‘π’π¦π’π²π, has tasked youth and to make themselves indispensable in decision making.
President Ndayishimiye stated this Wednesday during a high-level chat with Nigerian Youth leaders, organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Abuja.
He said young people are the heart of his government in Burundi, noting that the chat is undeniable proof of the friendship of the Burundian and the Nigerian people.
He also expressed hope that the meeting will be the starting point of a vast and rich partnership between the National Youth Council of Burundi and its Nigerian counterpart.
He however, lamented that, βYoung people are the most affected by any problems. Such as conflicts, poverty in families, access to education, health care, and separation of children and their families in the short situation that have weakened this important segment of the nation.
“Without peace, there is no development, and without development, there is no peace. Young people once mobilized to combat are now the best in peace building and spearheaded the National Community Development, he stated.
He revealed that in Burundi “we have organized civic and patriotic training sessions through the segment of Burundian population. We have pleased with the awareness and awakening of the young people who are now engaging in development activities.
“I now put youth at the heart of the socio-economic development of our government. This can be achieved by supporting them, listening to them, and supporting their entrepreneurial activities.
President Ndayishimiye who encouraged young people to organize themselves and focus their investment in agriculture said him convinced that the transformative force of young Africans will be a success for the economic recovery of the continent.
“However, peace and political security stability in our countries is a prerequisite for a sustainable socio-economic development.
“To prevent war and sustainably resolve conflict. A culture of peace and tolerance among young people should be promoted through peace-oriented education, job creation, and other opportunities supporting programs.
“I appeal to policymakers to give youth a chance because the socio-economic empowerment of young people is a response to the problem of poverty and insecurity.
“Why it is true? I am in favor of non-discrimination against young people. I remain convinced that young people must make themselves indispensable in decision-making.
“To achieve further collaboration among African Youths, I will create a continental platform. The platform will consist of a mentorship program that will enable nationalities to share their experience. Beyond the socio-economic dimension, this continental platform will come to realize African solidarity,” he said.
In his remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi, Dr Elijah Onyeagba, challenged youth to show that they are ready for governance when given the opportunity.
He said: “I want to say to you that Africa is rising. I want to say to you that this is a continent where about 75% of the population is between the ages of 35 and 50.
“These people must find a way to express their talents and caps, they must find a way to express their talents in all kinds of endeavors. The reason is because whenever you build the youth you are laying a foundation for a prosperous Africa.
Earlier in his remarks, the NYCN President, Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, urged African leaders to prioritize Youth inclusiveness in governance.
According to him, βthere are so many problems in many parts of Africa, some of these problems include poverty, unemployment, insecurity and conflicts among others.
“All these problems can be avoided and even solved through youth empowerment and inclusiveness of Youths in governance. When African Youths involve Youths in governance, the continent will be developed”.
Ambassador Sukubo thanked the President for granting Nigerian Youths the opportunity to tap from his wealth of experience.
On his part, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Leader, Dayo Isreal noted that Africa will not be able to attain agenda 2063 with adequate plans for youth inclusion.
He said without Youth inclusion “We cannot fight climate change. We cannot tackle poverty. We cannot create jobs and improve the economy. We cannot end our suffering on the continent of Africa without tapping into the energy, creativity, and innovation of our young people”
