Mr Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, has challenged Nigerian youths to be focused and committed to attaining their potentials as the world celebrates the 2020 international Youth Day.

Dare’s advice was contained in a statement signed by the Director Press, in the Ministry, Mrs Lere-Adams Adjobome, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

The theme of the celebration was “Challenging Youths to Global Action.’’

The General Assembly of the UN had in 1999, endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers, responsible for Youths in Lisbon, for Aug. 12 to be declared International Youth Day.

Dare said the theme sought to highlight ways in which engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels could enrich national and multilateral institutions and processes.

“The day gives an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal, and equitable engagement.’’

The minister also said it would draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics could be significantly enhanced.

Dare said the celebration had become imperative because Nigerian youths had demonstrated courage, resilience, and enterprise which raised hope of a greater future for the country.

“On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, I congratulate all Nigerian youths on the occasion of the World Youth Day.

“The 2020 theme, `Challenging Youths to Global Action’, is not only auspicious but timely, instructive and in resonance with the government’s plans to re-position the teeming youths for a better tomorrow,’’ he said.

According to Dare, said the recent approval of an N75 billion Youth Investment Fund by Buhari, underscores the importance placed on our youths by the current administration.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to laying a solid foundation for the youths and challenged them to see it as an opportunity to reposition themselves for a better future.

The minister said that the vision was geared towards the development of the entrepreneurial spirit of the youths to become employers of labour and to position themselves for the challenges of changing world order.

He said that the Nigerian youth could not be excluded from the changes taking place globally in politics, business science, and technological innovation.

As part of activities to celebrate the day, the minister is expected to engage youths online on availing themselves opportunities through the youth investment fund, digital training, and sports development.