In honour of International Youth Day, Bayelsa State hosted The Conversation 1.0, a ground-breaking event that demonstrated a reinvigorated dedication to its youth, on August 15, 2024, at the Harold Dappa Biriye Hall, Golden Tulip Apartments, Onopa, in Yenagoa. This event, organised by the Bayelsa State Ministry of Youth Development, was a major opportunity for the government to interact with the state’s youth by allowing them to voice their goals, discuss their difficulties, and work together to find answers for a happy future.
An Innovative Method for Youth Empowerment
Every August 12th since 2000, the world has observed International Youth Day, a time to consider the issues affecting youth and to emphasize their capacity to effect positive change. The core of how the digital age provides youths to lead the way toward economic and social development was encapsulated by this year’s theme, “Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” The Ministry of Youth Development in Bayelsa took this opportunity to launch The Conversation 1.0, a platform intended to close the communication gap between youths and leaders of the state.
Over 400 people attended the workshop, including young business owners, professionals, consultants, policy experts, youth advocates, and elected officials from all eight of Bayelsa’s local government areas. Their attendance represented a common resolve to overcome obstacles and work toward a time when young Bayelsans will be able to succeed internationally.
Voices of the Youth: Crucial Learnings from the Discussion
The young people who participated in The Conversation 1.0 weren’t just spectators; they were actively involved in conversations on important topics that affected their everyday lives. Every subject covered, including business, skill development, digital access, women’s empowerment, and innovative agriculture. These lively conversations produced several important findings and suggestions, including:
Leveraging Youth Potential: The attendees underscored the remarkable talent and competitiveness of Bayelsans on national and worldwide levels. However, there are obstacles, especially when getting the infrastructure, mentorship, and training they need to further their careers.
Digital Access and Skills Development: To equip themselves for the changing labour market, young people want increased access to digital technologies and skill development programs. While several stated they were open to freelance work and digital entrepreneurship, they also emphasized the low initiation of digital literacy programmes in the state.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Concerns regarding a supportive environment for aspiring young business owners were raised. Significant obstacles included limited finance, weak business assistance, and limited access to electricity. The young people suggested that the government create hubs for entrepreneurship and fund them using formal structures and that grants and loans are seen as instruments for self-reliance rather than charity.
Programs for Vocational Training: Although there are government-sponsored training initiatives, their implementation frequently lacks quality. The youth suggested reorganising these programs with an emphasis on long-term incubation, mentorship, and the development of practical skills rather than isolated interventions. In addition, participants pushed for inclusivity, pointing out that kids without formal education are frequently excluded from initiatives that promote empowerment.
Co-operation and Communication: The ongoing interaction between the government and youth was a recurrent subject in all the conversations. The youth demanded that the government keep avenues of communication available, including social media and dedicated hotlines, to guarantee that their demands are satisfied and that their views are heard.
The Way Ahead: Suggestions for a Wealthy Bayelsa
Several crucial suggestions were made to provide a clear course of action after The Conversation 1.0. It was recommended that the Ministry of Youth Development:
Collaborate with Young Innovators: Promoting growth in sectors, including digital access, technology, agribusiness, and the creative industries, and team up with regional entrepreneurs and innovators.
Create Comprehensive Empowerment Pipelines: Go beyond starter packs and establish long-term empowerment programs that include mentoring, training, internships, and incubation.
Organise Regular Conversations: Following the event’s success, attendees demanded that The Conversation become a twice-yearly forum for ongoing discussions between the youth and the government.
Establish Employment Hubs: Promote the creation of jobs and a business-friendly environment, and establish entrepreneurship hubs and clusters.
Improve Tech and Digital Skills: Give young people more access to digital training to better prepare them for jobs in the global economy.
Creating Trust: An Administration Dedicated to Youth Development
The Chief of Staff to the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Dr. Peter Akpe, assured attendees about the administration’s commitment to providing opportunities for the youth. He underlined that bright, creative young Bayelsa are the key to the state’s future and reiterated the government’s commitment to keeping these discussions going.
Other public officials, including Hon. Barr. Tare Porri and Hon. Dr. Godbless Oyinke emphasized the need for ongoing youth engagement. They expressed optimism that The Conversation 1.0 will usher in a new chapter in Bayelsa State’s youth-government ties.
A Promising Future for the Youth of Bayelsa
The Conversation 1.0 was a forum for empowerment, cooperation, and advancement rather than merely a conversation. The government has listened to the voices of the young people of Bayelsa. Bayelsa State is poised to foster a new generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will propel the state towards prosperity by adhering to the guidelines and keeping lines of communication open.
“Bayelsa’s youth are its strength, energy, and life,” a participant said. The strength can take the state to new heights.
Let’s have more conversations!
