Girwon Rights Initiative, a non-governmental organization (NGO) commemorates United Nations (UN) International Youth Day, with the theme, “Youth Engagement for Global Action”.
The well attended event observed annually on August 12 was chaired by the former Provost, College of Education Agbor, Dr. Emmanuel U. Tibi at the auditorium of Mountain of Fire Ministry situated along Ubaja Street, Boji-Boji Owa.
In his opening remark, Dr. Tibi commended the effort of the programme convener and founder, Girwon Rights Initiative, Bar. Cynthia Izu. According to him, “I am happy to be part of this programme for it reminds me of my youth days. The programme activities have shown that it’s so educating to further prepare the youths to be focused and determined towards attaining their future life goals to the betterment of the society.
“Everything in the world has gone global for the fact that we are in a digital age. This no doubt has enhanced communication skills that someone with the use of telephone can communicate with others in any part of the world within seconds and minutes effectively. Thank God I am alive to witness the present day globalization evolutionary change”.
“Any invited youth who absents from this enriching programme has missed out. Knowledge is said to be power. The rate of youth restiveness in our society is alarming and needs urgent attention.
Dr. Tibi who holds the chieftaincy title of Ojene-ebo Dein Agbor Kingdom appealed to all attendees at the programme to pay attention to the teaching of the resource persons, saying it will go a long way to reshaping their lives for better.
In her keynote address, Barr. Izu re-echoed the mission statement of Girwon Rights Initiative, which according to her, is a registered non-profit making NGO solely established towards promoting UN sustainable development goals 2030.
In her words, “My organization addresses the health and human rights of girls, women and youths, particularly those in rural areas. Our sustainable development goal areas focus on SDGs four care mandates which include good health and well-being, gender equality, reduced inequalities and partnership. This is to ensure that youths, particularly girls and women live up to their full potentials and actualization, thereby impacting the lives of others and the society at large.
“Despite the existence of other known NGOs within Nigeria, the fact still remains that most issues evolving around youths, women and girls have not yet improved; most especially gender based violence and poverty amongst others are on the increase.
“GIRWON is focused on rural areas having observed that the majority of the existing NGOs are dominant and operates within the urban areas. Unfortunately, it may interest you to know that most of the youths, women and girls who are affected or faced with these potential threats live in rural area/slums.
“The inability of the government to sufficiently cater for the youths has created a huge gap in their involvement and participation in societal issues. This has equally contributed majorly to their involvement in crime and other social vices.
“Therefore, my organization is a striving NGO seeking to bridge the gap and address these issues on a holistic level as well as addressing the inadequacies of the government towards promoting civic engagement and participation of youths, particularly women and girls. Our four core mandates includes education, empowerment, care and legal services”.
As part of activities marking the UN International Youth Day, lectures were delivered by Barr. Izu and her team of resource persons which include the Chief Executive Officer, Farms for Africa, I.O. Raymond, Barr. Osayuki King and the Chief Executive Officer of Imok Collections, Iwezu I.
Marvelous. Their lectures turned out to be an eye-opener to as many youths in attendance, knowing that despite the absence of white collar jobs and governments inability to create job opportunities, they on their own can create jobs for themselves by embracing skills which in the long run can make them employers of labour.
