President Muhammadu Buhari has declared the 2023 Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit (CYSS), African Region open with a charge to the youth to hone their leadership skills and make relevant contributions to the decision-making process, especially on issues that bother on their development and welfare.

The President who gave the charge today in Abuja stated that the youth all over the world have proven time without number that if given the opportunity and support to showcase their talents and energy, they are capable of becoming change catalysts.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, President Muhammadu Buhari stated that government is conscious of the fact that a positive force for societal development reside in the young people and thus called on the comity of the Commonwealth Nations to give them the opportunity and support to enable them exhibit their talent and energy in line with the noble ideas which the Commonwealth represents.

According to him, “Nigeria, as a firm believer in the capabilities of young people is hosting the Summit to create a platform for the youth to network, collaborate and foster sustainable learning environment as well as promote youth development in institutions within the Commonwealth”. 

He assured that Nigerian Government as a member of the Commonwealth will continuously create an enabling environment for the youth to blossom and reach their potentials. 

The President expressed optimism that with the breed of young people gathered here and the theme chosen for the Summit, *”Co-creating our Common Future Leadership in the Digital Age in Africa”*, actionable policy-decisions that will further enhance development and productivity of the youth will not only be reached but will also  address the world of challenges and opportunities open to the Commonwealth Youth, especially those in Africa which is technologically driven”

President Buhari therefore called on the youth who are the leaders of the Digital Revolution to align their knowledge of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and the likes, with investment in ideas, skills and enterprise so as to ensure the socio-economic development of the Region.
Also speaking, the President Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated that the future, development and growth of the Continent is a task the youth must take upon themselves.

Represented by the National Youth Leader, Mr. Dayo Isreal, the President Elect called on the youth to join hands with their various governents in creating a safe and secure environment for all as there can be no growth or development without security and peace.   

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu further urged the youth to seize the opportunity provided by the Summit to build lasting and productive connections, learn from one another and also unite in the war against underdevelopment.

In his Opening Remarks, the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare stated that the declaration of the Year 2023 as the year of the Youth as pronounced in Kigali is both timely and instructive.

He explained that the African youth have come of age and cannot be ignored, noting that this can be validated with the exploits of the African Youth in various spheres of endeavour.

Dare who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for hosting the Summit urged the youth to look beyond political leadership to being in the forefront of creativity, science and technology, arts, sports and the whole gamut of human endeavour with a view to giving the African its pride of place in the Comity of Nations.

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