IYD 2021: Baptist Youth Conference Felicitates Youths

By Jide Afolabi, Lagos

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, NBCYC, has felicitated the youths across the world especially, Baptist youths, on the occasion of the 2021 International Youth Day celebration.

In a statement personally signed by the groups National President, Pastor Onajite Enunuaye, and made available to journalists, he described Nigerian youths as resilient despite the seeming challenges.

He said that Nigerian youths are quite innovative despite the unconducive environment.

Speaking on the theme for the 2021 celebration, “Transforming Food System: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, Enunuaye said that it was a double-barrel theme which emphasis youth contributions to the food system and healthy planet.

The President added that Nigerian youths are unfortunately unable to fully develop and contribute to the food system due to the security challenges in the country.

The statement reads:

“On behalf of the youths of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, I congratulate all youths across the world on the 2021 International Youth Day which is celebrated every August 12.

“The theme for 2021 is quite apt. It aimed at celebrating the innovation of youths across the world to food systems and climate change discuss. However, Nigerian youths have been challenged by the insecurity ravaging the country.

“Our youths have been driven from their farms by criminal herdsmen who also turn farm crops to cattle feeds. In some cases, harvested and stored farm produce are looted and burnt in the barns.

“Many farm settlements and villages have been disserted by farmers in search of safety for their lives and family while rural farming is shrinking by the day. We’ve seen villages been burned down and barns looted. In all these, youths, women and children are the victims.”

Enunuaye called on the government to ensure immediate release of the abducted students of the Bethel Baptist Secondary School in Kaduna state and all victims of kidnapping in the country.

He urged government to create enabling environment for the youths to develop their skills to meaningfully contribute to national growth and development.