By Sani Adamu Hassan
In commemoration of the 2025 International Youth Day, the Bauchi State Government, through the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has spent about ₦2 million to empower 100 youths in Yelwan Duguri.
The celebration, themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” brought together community members, youth groups, and development partners, with the aim of equipping young people with vocational skills training to enable them to become self-reliant.
Speaking at the event held in Yelwan Duguri, Alkaleri Local Government Area, the Director-General and Focal Person of the SDGs Office, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Gar, said the choice of a rural community rather than the city centre was deliberate, to emphasize that meaningful development must begin at the grassroots.
Mrs. Gar urged young people to steer clear of social vices and criminal activities, stressing the need to embrace education, vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and environmental protection.
She commended UNFPA for its sustained partnership in promoting youth development, reproductive health, and gender equality in the state, and also appreciated the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for its support.
In her remarks, UNFPA Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, Deborah Tabara, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to continued partnership with the state through the SDGs Office in empowering youth and women.
She also urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the knowledge and resources gained to improve their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
In their goodwill messages, representatives of the State Ministries of Health, Education, and Women Affairs pledged their support towards improving the lives of citizens across the state.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent expressed their gratitude to the SDGs Office and UNFPA for coming to their aid, while assuring their determination to put the knowledge and support received into productive use.
