The theme of International Youth Day 2021, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, is a timely discuss as a continent, and objectives surrounding this initiative will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people.
As the world’s population is expected to increase by 2 billion in the next 30 years and would put the world’s population at 9.9billion against the current 7.9 billion figure, then it has become a matter of priority for often discuss and implementations of food security initiatives across the globe and particularly Africa; as we are of advantage, having a fertile soil for agricultural purposes.
The current population of Africa is 1.3billion, based on the latest United Nations estimates; which amounts for 16.72% of the total world population, and Nigeria having the largest at over 211Million, places the continent at risk if matters of food security is not timely addressed.
Hence, the Commissioner for Youth Political Participation, Pan-African Youth Union (PYU), Amb. Oladele John Nihi is therefore urging the world’s continent with the highest number of youths to return back to the green vegetations in order to guarantee the future of our motherland. He also acknowledges that there is a need for inclusive support mechanisms that ensure youth continue to amplify efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life, while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems, and therefore admonishing governments across countries to empower youths in their various capacities and capabilities both at the rural and urban areas.
“We have the land, and we have the manpower. Technology is also there to aid efficiency and speedy productivity. So, I see no reason Africa should not return back to the green vegetations and put them to use” Amb. Nihi said in closing.
Wishing Youths across the continent of Africa and the Globe, happy International Youth Day 2021.
Kelvin Oluseyi Eleta,
CPS to the Commissioner
12th August, 2021.