The Executive Secretary of Carotas-Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina has called for more investments in youth development to secure the future of the country.
Obodoechina made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a women and youth roundtable titled ‘Mainstreaming Climate Smart Principles and Practices among Faith-Based Communities in Nigeria’.
The event was organised by the organisation, which is the developmental arm of the Catholic Church, to mark its 13th anniversary.
Obodoechina said that one of the very significant segment of service structure in the church and the society was the youth, there has been poor investment in their development.
The executive secretary, therefore, said it was important to change the narrative.
He said that the future belonged to the energetic and dynamic young men and women of the country.
According to him, this made it imperative for the elderly enhance the capacity of the youth and shape them to face the battles of becoming leaders of tomorrow, society and the church.
The executive secretary observed that the government has very little plans for the youth while genuine efforts of the Church to organize the youth has been handicapped by lack of resources.
He however said one of the objectives of the roundtable was to engage the youths on ways to bridge the gaps, and also change the approach to women involvement in governance and leadership.
“There is need to look away from all the cultural and political biases against women and tap the resources inherent in women for nation building,” Obodoechina added.
The cleric stressed the need to empower women, teach them their rights and help them fight for their rightful place in the society.
Obodoechina said that the conference will also look at ways of engaging the youths and women to contribute meaningful to environmental sustainability.
Also, the Benin Catholic Provincial Youth President, Miss Harriet Onankhnan, said that the youths had been trying their best to get involved in the affairs of the country, as seen during the 2023 elections.
She advised older persons in the society to embrace and mentor the youth for proper participation in the affairs of the country.
Onankhnan called for a national youth conference to allow young people bare their minds and make the older generation to understand the need for the youth to get involved in all facets of Nigeria’s development.
