International Day of the Youth (IYD2016): The Youths, Our Future Says Saraki

1. Today, i heartily congratulate Nigerians especially the Youths as we join other nations across the world to commemorate the 2016 International Youth Day (IYD2016). This special occasion observed every 12th day of August in accordance with the United Nations Resolution 54/120 (19th Dec. 1999) afford our youth a golden opportunity to be celebrated and showcase to the world their various achievements in contributing to their communities.

2. This year’s theme: “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production” is significant to us as nation to combat hunger and eradicate poverty and encourage quality local production in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) as part of a broader plan to achieve World Programme of Action for our Youth in order to accelerate sustainable development.
3. Nigeria equally shares such visions to completely eradicate poverty by 2030 and in making that a reality, on June 8, 2016, I inaugurated a Senate committee on the establishment of a Poverty Eradication Scheme Commission to track progress on the ‘poverty front’ and serve as a data bank on all poverty-related issues in line with Nigeria’s commitment to meeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal to ‘’End poverty in all its forms everywhere’’

4. Also, on the 3rd of August, 2015, I visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Borno State alongside some of my colleagues in the Senate to evaluate and assess the living condition of the IDPs with the hope of passing quick resolutions to focus more attention on their plight and the State’s governments efforts in addressing the challenges they face on daily basis

5. Just like i have reiterated several times, the role of the Youth of Nigeria in contributing to the many socio-political and economic challenges faced by the country cannot be over emphasized, with the YOU as the Stakeholders and WE as the Investors, it is my utmost satisfaction to see you all succeed locally and achieve new grounds on foreign soils where we have previously contributed and achieved greatness.

6. As the world celebrates our talents with us, I must also commend the Nigeria Delegation to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which also coincides with the 2016 International Youth Day. Chierika Ukogu made history and made us proud on Tuesday after qualifying for the semifinals of rowing event. I commend our male Olympic Soccer team (Dream Team VI) who continue to do the nation proud by qualifying for the Quarter finals of the game, I urge them to go all the way and bring the Medal home to reignite Atlanta 96 feats achieved in the United States.

7. Finally, i want to use the occasion of the International Youth Day event today, to encourage our youths, to continue to be the Vanguard of a virile Nigeria in opening the gateway of more accomplishments and successes for our dear nation. I challenge the youth to continue to strive and use their God given talents positively in order to bridge the poverty gap and assist one another in achieving their set goals. It is a known fact that only a peaceful environment can encourage growth, i urge the Youth to embrace peace as a panacea towards the speedy implementation of the 2030 Sustainable goals. Once again, i congratulate you all.