Make good use of technology – Minister tells youth
Mr Bede Ziedeng, Northern Regional Minister has asked the youth to apply technology appropriately to add value to their lives.
In a speech read on his behalf to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day (IYD) in Tamale, on Monday, Mr Ziedeng also advised the youth against indulging in irresponsible behaviours that could ruin their future.
The IYD is marked globally on August 12, every year to recognize the contributions of the youth to the development of their communities.
This year’s commemoration, organized by the Youth Empowerment for Life (YEfL), an NGO, in collaboration with the National Youth Authority (NYA), was on the theme: “Migration: Moving Development Forward – Challenges of Reproductive Health.”
It brought together about 400 youth to discuss issues such as “Migration of Young Women: Overcoming Reproductive Health Risk” and “Youth Migration – Implication on Rural Economic Development: The Role of Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA)”.
Mr Ziedeng complained about the negative and irresponsible manner in which some youth applied technology, especially the internet, to commit crimes and other vices.
He said migration has had a negative impact on rural communities in the north, as most hardworking young people leave their communities in search of opportunities elsewhere, and called for concerted efforts to overcome the challenges facing the youth.
Alhaji Razak Saani, Northern Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education called on the youth to be mindful of the country’s current political situation and rally for the national interest, no matter the outcome of the verdict on the election petition by the Supreme Court.
Alhaji Gilbert Iddi, Chief Executive Officer of SADA, said SADA would this year engage 100 national service personnel in commercial agriculture, as a means of inculcating farming in them, and creating job amongst the youth.
Mr Ziblim Shaibu, Northern Regional Director of the NYA commended the youth for their contributions towards the development of their communities and challenged them to remain peaceful at all times.
Mr Salifu Mahama, Programmes Manager of YEfL called for measures that would create opportunities for the youth to enable them to lead meaningful lives.
Source: GNA