Monrovia – Liberia played host to over 250 youth from West Africa in the just ended West Africa Youth Camp-2016 held from December 12 to 16 at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) in Monrovia.
The event was organized by The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and according to FLY President Augustine Tamba, the four-day event sought to enable West Africa Youth leaders to take lead in the implementation of “Agenda 2063” and also encourage young people to actively get involved in entrepreneurship.
Tamba further explained that the event is been held at a time when Liberian youth representation in the sub-region need to be high being cognizant of the fact that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf currently chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He also hinted that Liberia decision to host the event has helped delegates from Liberia to share ideas with other youth in the sub region and also building their capacity in youth leadership and how to engage national government on youth issues.
Says Tamba: “There will be an easy way to ensure that youth issues play key role in national agenda this why this camp was vital to Liberian youth.” he added.
It can be recalled that the first edition of the West African Youth Camp (WAYC) was hosted in 2013, in Abuja, Nigeria and it was climaxed with a Joint Communiqué which contained amongst others the setting up of a West Africa Youth Leadership Development Institution.
To encourage central government to provide more funding for youth initiative in Africa, to working closely with national government in its quest to reduce youth unemployment in the sub-region.
Speakers at the event included Hon. Saah Charles N’tow,Minister of Youth and Sports –Liberia, Uyero Erarawewho Junior,National Coordinator WAYC,Hon. H. Mardea Peters Magbolah, Chairperson of Liberia Nationl Organizing Committee and Hon. Luc Joel Gregoire,Youth Coordinator Ivory Coast,Youth NGOs.
Others include Hon. Sahr Ansumana, National Coordinator,AYCAH ,Sierra Leone , Dr. Peace Agu ,Director Ivory Coast,Hon. Munah Pelham Youngblood and Hon. Ouedraogo Mamoudou, President National Youth Council of Burkina Faso among others .
Agenda 2063, would be a call for action to all segments of African societies to work together in order to build a prosperous and united Africa based on shared values and a common destiny.
The theme for this year’s Camp is, “Leadership and Development of Africa Youth in Perspective Developing SGDs & Agenda 2063.”
The delegates came from Nigeria, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Togo, Sierra Leone, Republic of Niger, and the host country Liberia. The next edition is expected in 2017 in another West African country. The event was sponsored by Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Ministry of Youth & Sports, ECOWAS, UNICEF, UNDP, PCC, Mano River Union, GAC, NTA, MNCP and Ministry of State.