As Youths in Cross River state joins their counterparts across the globe to celebrate this year's International Youth Day with the theme "Safe Spaces for Youths", the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Hon. Asu Okang has assured Cross River state youths of his government's commitment in creating safe spaces for them.
The Governor, noted that Cross River state is adjudged the most youth friendly state in Nigeria, having more than 70% of Appointees as young persons in his Government, some of which are doing exploits. This has never been since the creation of the state.
Ayade government has engaged 15, 000 young people in ICT, Agriculture through its multi sectoral youth program with support from UNPFA, 5000 young persons captured for YESSO empowerment this month and another 5000 young people to be engaged in the unemployed graduate internship program commencing from November 2018.
He charges young people to have their PVCs handy to effect the needed political gains that would translates into socioeconomic development for young people in the society.
Also, speaking as one of the panelist, Dr. Betta Edu charges young people in Nigeria to take creation of their safe spaces now seriously rather than selling their tomorrow today for peanuts. The Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency while giving the charge, reiterated that His Excellency, Senator (Prof). Ben Ayade is the forerunner of youth inclusiveness in governance. She noted that, over 4000 young persons were appointed as either members of the state exco, Director Generals of Agencies or Chairmen of Boards and some of them have exceptional performed well. Governor Ayade didn't ask for 10years experience, he had faith in his intellectual ability to convert our energetic innovative minds into great results for the state. That's a Governor who is truly committed to development of young people.
According to Dr. Betta Edu, 2018 has basically opened a new window for young people. It's theme Safe spaces goes beyond the physical spaces being created by people for us. It's about governance, health, technology, enterpenuership, skill development, education etc. "it's time to take our safe spaces. We are ready for leadership and we must take responsibilities seriously ". Dr. Edu urges young people to go and build their capacities.
Speaking on health safe space, she said, four LGAs have youth friendly space center courtesy of state government collaboration with FHi360. This culminated in creating an enabling environment for young people to interact and get services. The DG noted that youths are more vulnerable to hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, STIs and young people are completely cut off from their society because they are constantly harassed. This scenario have caused youths to resort to taking of drugs, tramadol, cocaine because we failed to create safe space for them in the health sector. We will do more to save more lives.
Earlier speaking, Mr. Jerry Nweigwe of CUSO (You Lead) urges young people to take advantage of the Not to young to run bill recently passed into law by actively participate in politics starting from their wards to the national level.
Mrs. Nkem Eme of Development Options while speaking noted that young people today have resorted to find safe spaces in Naira Bets, cultism and promiscuity due to lack of safe spaces for them.
Commissioner for ICT, Information and commissioner for Solid minerals were present to grace the occasion.
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