We’ll continue to prioritize youth issues -Jonathan assures

BY ABU IDRISU

President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday in Abuja, reassured the Nigerian youths of his administration’s resolve to prioritize youth related programmes as part of effort in promoting and accelerating youth development.
Speaking during the 2014 International Youth Day Celebration in Abuja, the President also assured of his government commitment to providing an enabling environment for all Nigerians to lead a balanced life including mental and physical health, through developing necessary infrastructures in the country.
Represented by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, President Jonathan explained that the federal government is engaging the youths in positive activities in order for them to contribute positively towards the socio-economic development of the country.
“As a responsible government, we will continue to accelerate the implementation of the youth decade plan of action and advance the youth agenda through adoption of policies and mechanism that will facilitate the creation of safe, decent and competitive opportunities” he said.
He maintained that Nigeria has taken the lead through the deployment of programmes to grow the private sector so as to create jobs, focus attention on education, health and general socio-economic, among others.
While saluting their patriotism, resilience and determination  towards collective resolve on nation building, he urged the youths to keep faith in the ability of the government in surmounting her present challenges.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna stated that the theme of the celebration, “Youth and Mental Health” is targeted at drawing attention of the world to the prevalence of mental health conditions among young people worldwide and the level of burden and disability associated with it.
According to him: “This 2014 International Youth Day is very special to us as a people, because it falls within the centenary period of our nation, hence the tagging of the programme; “Nigeria Youth at Centenary.