Twelfth of August every year has been set aside as International Youth Day, for the Celebration of Youths across the World since 1999 through resolution 54/120 endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly following recommendation of the date by the World Conference of Ministers responsible for Youths.
It was envisage that the special day will would serve to advance advocacy for the World Programme of Action for Youths, and youth development policies at every level of Government across the World.
The Vice President of World Assembly of Youth (WAY), Nigerian Cmrd. PREYE KETEBU-BROWN has said that the Theme for this year’s Celebration “Intergenerational Society: Creating a World for All Ages” is timely as it highlights ageism and how it affects society. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ageism as “the stereotype, prejudice and discrimination directed towards others or oneself.
African Development Bank (AfDB), Nigeria Office, recently convened an online Stakeholders Interactive Session of an intergenerational mold which was hailed as extremely remarkable considering participants cut across age, gender, territorial and professional barriers in one virtual space. Other notable institutions such as the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCMDB) have fostered enduring partnerships for progress with Youths, through such intergenerational intervention tools as Town Hall Meetings, Interactive Sessions, etc.
Cmrd. Ketebu-Brown further stated that in Bayelsa State, the social-economic policy Framework of the Senator Douye Diri administration, was on track to restore youth confidence in Governance; and a more blissful intergenerational society.
Regular prompt payment of salaries and pensions coupled with proactive education policies and youth empowerment Programs has gone a long way in addressing ageism in the State. As the World celebrates international youth day 2022, World Youth Centre Incorporated is happy to identify with Federal, States and Local Governments; Youth NGO/CSOs, Development Partners, Organized Private Sector (OPS), the Media and all stakeholders who spare no effort at forging intergenerational harmony in the best interest of a tranquil and youth friendly Society.
