President Évariste Ndayishimiye of the Republic of Burundi has called upon Nigerian youths and African youths in general to position themselves as indispensable contributors to decision-making processes.
Ndayishimiye disclosed this in a high-level chat with Nigerian youth leaders organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Abuja yesterday. During the engaging discussion, he expressed his appreciation for the positive approach displayed by the youths.
He emphasised that young people hold a vital place in his government in Burundi, underscoring the undeniable bond between the Burundian and Nigerian people as evidenced by the chat.
Furthermore, President Ndayishimiye expressed his hope that the meeting would serve as a catalyst for a fruitful partnership between the National Youth Council of Burundi and its Nigerian counterpart.
Addressing the challenges faced by young people, the President acknowledged that they are often the most affected by conflicts, poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and family separations, which significantly weaken this important segment of society.
Recognising the essential role of peace in fostering development, President Ndayishimiye highlighted how young people, once mobilized for conflict, now serve as peace builders and leaders in national community development.
He shared insights into the initiatives taken in Burundi, such as organizing civic and patriotic training sessions aimed at raising awareness and awakening the young population, who are now actively engaged in development activities.
President Ndayishimiye stressed his commitment to placing youth at the heart of the socio-economic development agenda by supporting and listening to them, as well as promoting their entrepreneurial activities. He encouraged young people to organize themselves and channel their investments into the agricultural sector, considering it a transformative force for the economic recovery of the entire African continent.
Underscoring the importance of peace and political stability for sustainable socio-economic development, President Ndayishimiye called for the promotion of a culture of peace and tolerance among young people through peace-oriented education, job creation, and other supportive programs.
He appealed to policymakers to provide opportunities for youth empowerment, emphasizing that addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by young people is key to combating poverty and insecurity. He also advocated for non-discrimination against young people and urged them to make themselves indispensable in decision-making processes.
To enhance collaboration among African youths, President Ndayishimiye announced plans to establish a continental platform that will facilitate mentorship programs and the sharing of experiences among nations. This platform aims to foster African solidarity beyond the socio-economic dimension.
The Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi, Dr. Elijah Onyeagba, challenged the youth to demonstrate their readiness for governance when given the opportunity. He emphasized that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth, who comprise approximately 75 per cent of the continent’s population aged between 35 and 50.
During the event, Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, president of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, urged African leaders to prioritize youth inclusiveness in governance. He emphasized that youth empowerment and involvement in governance are crucial for addressing the continent’s challenges, including poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and conflicts.
The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Isreal, emphasised the need for adequate plans to include youth in Africa’s agenda for 2063.
He stressed that leveraging the energy, creativity, and innovation of young people is essential for combating climate change, tackling poverty, creating jobs, improving the economy, and alleviating suffering on the continent.
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