By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Youths in the country have been reminded that they are the driving force behind creating a sustainable future, and it is their responsibility to take action now for a greater Nigeria of tomorrow.
The assertion was made during a summit organised by a Coalition of Youths groups in Bauchi State towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals as an avenue to create a better future for themselves and for generations to come.
Convener of the summit, Usman Lawan while speaking at the meeting, said that the summit was a crucial journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as they concern youths generally.
He stressed that, as young people, they are the driving force behind creating a sustainable future, and it is their responsibility to take action.
Usman Lawan also said that, “The SDGs are not just a set of goals; they are a call to action, a reminder that youths have the power to shape their own destiny and create a better world for all.”
According to him, “Through this summit, we aim to promote awareness and understanding of the SDGs among stakeholders, facilitate collaboration and partnership, identify and share best practices and innovative solutions, mobilize resources and expertise, and monitor and evaluate progress”.
He stressed that, “As youths, we are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today. We have the energy, creativity, and determination to make a difference. We are the ones who will inherit the consequences of today’s actions, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come”.
The Convener added that, “Let us rise to the challenge and take action towards achieving the SDGs. Let us empower ourselves, our peers, and our communities to take action and drive sustainable development. Let us harness our collective power and creativity to create innovative solutions to the pressing issues of our time.”
“Together, we can make a difference and create a sustainable future. A future where everyone has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. A future where our planet is protected and preserved for generations to come”, said Usman Lawan.
Earlier in a welcome remarks, the summit Programme Coordinator, Badiya Abdullahi said that the summit was aimed to unite efforts towards advancing sustainable development across Bauchi State and beyond.
He described the summit as, “Marking key moment in our collective pursuit of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
Badiya Abdullahi also said that the theme of the summit, “Empowering Youths and Students for Sustainable Development,” reflects youths commitment to fostering strong, inclusive partnerships that leaves no one behind.
According to him, “Today’s discussions will not only focus on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals but will also provide a space to collaborate, strategize, and take meaningful steps towards implementing these goals locally.”
He stressed that,”The SDGs are not just distant global objectives; they are pressing issues that affect our communities everyday. Whether we are working towards quality education, addressing climate change, ensuring gender equality, or fostering sustainable economic growth, each of us has a vital role to play”.
The Programme Coordinator added that, “This summit is designed as a platform for exchanging ideas, learning from best practices, and building partnerships, with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals at the heart of it all. We know that strong collaborations are key to achieving all the other goals, and together, we can create a sustainable and inclusive future for Bauchi.”
Participants at the summit were drawn from Schools within Bauchi metropolis both Public and Private, Youths Groups and Associations, relevant youths driven NGOs, CSOs and the Media.
The event attracted dignitaries that included the immediate former Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar SAN, and his former Deputy Governor, Architect Sule Katagum, Commissioners of Youths and that of Education, and hosts of others.
