BY LEULSEGED WORKU
In a journey towards building strong and unified Ethiopia, the role the youth can play is incalculable. The young people can play constructive role in brokering peace, advancing development, bringing about positive societal change through strengthening community cohesion, promoting innovation and entrepreneurial skills.
To realize this, however, recognizing the irreplaceable potential the young people holds to peace and development, and providing them the needed support is critical.
In his recent discussion with young people drawn from various parts of the country last Sunday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also stated the role the youth can play towards building a strong and great Ethiopia saying the future of the nation is in the hands of the next generation.
Speaking at the National Youth Forum held under the theme “The role of the Youth of our time” the Premier said that the youth have a responsibility to put back the nation to its previous glory. In this regard, they have to play constructive role in areas of peace, synergy, unity, love, tolerance and respect.
Even though Ethiopia is tired of the hurdles it faces, in order to renew its power like an eagle; and return itself into its former glory, there is a need to identify the principal causes of its downward move and correct them. In this regard, the youth has a key responsibility, he added.
Mentioning the activities carried out over the past four years with regard to establishing independent institutes, strengthening democratic bodies, undertaking various development activities, determining administrative regions, Prime Minister Abiy said that the youths, being part of the effort, have contributed a lot for the successes.
In his message to the youth, Prime Minister Abiy also said; as the future leaders of the country, the youth should prepare themselves for a better tomorrow. Those anti-peace elements, who have already spoiled their “yesterday”, are still striving to darken the future of the youth. For this very reason, the youth has to refuse such people by all means. “Never allow those entities spoil your tomorrow to actualize their interest,” he underscored.
He also urged the youth to refrain from all forms of destructive issues and not to be preoccupied with negative things; but to strive for national unity, make themselves ready so as to take over the country, sustain prosperity, peace and unity to create a better and bright tomorrow which is the right path for them as well as for the country.
Following the political reformation of the country, several infrastructures are being constructed throughout the nation. Development activities in all areas are being carried out with better performance and efforts to fight maladministration and corruption are intensified. This is truly an indication of a better and bright future. Whenever there is responsible youth there is a bright tomorrow.
As it was indicated by the Prime Minister, all the ongoing development projects are devised targeting young people who are the hope of tomorrow. In this regard, the youth should be focused and well prepared to take responsibility.
Their scope should go beyond their village. They should be visionaries who aspire not to lead a village but a nation, region and the world. The Prime Minister also said the youth should be a rational generation that puts synergy and rationality as its prime weapons to defeat all adverse agendas.
Indeed, as it is known and repeatedly said, the youth is the only one who is responsible to lead the nation and improve the life standard of the society. Since youthfulness is synonym with energy, apostle of change, progress and future, a responsible, united and tolerant youth that prioritizes his/her country has all the potential to put Ethiopia in its “Greatness” position.
As a land of young population, Ethiopia can benefit a lot from this untapped energy. Young generation is not only representing the future of Ethiopia; it also represents the whole country. Ethiopia is now found on the right path. In this respect, as a country which is rich in cultural diversity and untapped natural resources, the youth is expected to have the will and commitment to change all challenges into opportunity by properly applying the concept of synergy.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2022
