By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Youths in the country have been urged to be agents of change in order to build a vibrant nation that compete and stand out among other nations.
The call was made by the Director General, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Office , Bauchi State, Lydia J. Shehu on the occasion of the 2025 International Youth Day with the theme: “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond” held at the palace of the District Head of Yelwan Duguri Community, Alkaleri LGA, it was orh by the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in collaboration with the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA). .
Lydia Shehu in her speech stated that Youths are builders of both today and tomorrow, pointing out that they are great torch bearers that should lighten the path of progressive, transformational and impactful future for a greater Nigeria.
She noted that the target is to make the youths in Bauchi State more focused and engaging.
“You hold the creativity, energy and vision to turn the Sustainable Development Goals into living realities in our communities and all levels of governance. But to fulfil this potential, our young people must shun vices, reject criminal tendencies, and turn away from destructive shortcuts.”
”Instead, embrace selfless service, entrepreneurship, hard work, resilience and unshakable pursuit of education. Education is more than certificates, it is empowerment, it is self-reliance, and it is the foundation
meaningful contribution to society.”
“Under the visionary leadership of a renown rare gem, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON (Kauran Usmaniya), the Executive Governor, Bauchi State has witnessed remarkable progress. In health, new primary healthcare centres have been established, maternal and child health services expanded, and access to essential care strengthened”
”In education, classrooms have been built, teachers’ recruitment on-going, and scholarships awarded, opening doors for our children and youth to pursue educational goals within and beyond borders.”
“The environmental initiatives from
planting to flood control and waste management are safeguarding our communities for the future and I call on you the youth to be part of this crusade to protect the ecosystem.”
“In infrastructure, roads, rural electrification, and water supply schemes are frantic efforts by government to ensure the people are connected for better access
ease of doing business and enhanced livelihoods opportunities. importantly, through human capital development programmes, thousands of young men and women have been trained in vocational skills, supported with start-up resources, and linked to employment pathways which this though small but when put to use can bring enduring legacies in your lives and an amazing stepping stone to greater initiative that takes you miles away in your life’s’ journey for self-reliance,”
“But these achievements are not ends in themselves, they are platforms for you, the youths, to seize and multiply. You are called not to wait for opportunity to knock, but to create it. You can transferm challenges into stepping stones, and in doing so, lift your communities forward and keep improving your lives for better” She said
The SDGS office deeply appreciated UNFPA for its unwavering support in advancing youths development, reproductive health, and gender equality in Bauchi State and for the steadfast partnership over the years.
“As we commemorate this day, I charge every young person: Be the reason your community moves forward. Be the hand that lifts others. Be the voice that speaks for peace, progress, and justice. Remember, great nations are built not by wishful thinking but by determined action and the time for that action is now,” Lydia Yusuf concluded.
Representatives of line MDAs commemded SDGs for having the 2025 International Youths Day celebration in the rural settings in tandem with the theme of the year, agreeing that it will further educate and enlighten the youths at the grassroots.
In his vote of thanks, the District Head of Yelwan Duguri, Alh. Ibrahim YM Baba, expressed gratitude for choosing his community for the 2025 celebration.
Represented by Mal Ibrahim S. Yaki, the District Head, assured that he will continue to mobilize the youths to be good citizens and supportive to government in all ramifications.
During the celebrations, lectures were delivered by invited experts just as the youths were taught different skills acquisition ventures.