HON. SALLY SULEIMAN CELEBRATES EDO YOUTH ON INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO LOCAL YOUTH ACTION FOR THE SDGs AND THE SHINE EDO AGENDA

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NTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026 By the Office of SDGs, Edo State

By Amina Ebor 

Every year on *12th August*, the world comes together to celebrate *International Youth Day*  

It is a day set aside by the United Nations to recognize the contributions of young people to development, peace, and nation building. Youth make up a large part of our population, and their ideas, energy and innovation are key to achieving a better future for all.

*This year’s theme is: "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond"*

On behalf of the entire team at the Office of Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, in Edo State, *Hon. Sally Suleiman,* Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on SDGs joins young people across the globe and here in Edo to celebrate the energy, creativity and power of our youth.

*The Link Between Youth and the SDGs*

This year’s theme reminds us that young people are not just beneficiaries of the SDGs — they are drivers of them 

From *SDG 1:* No Poverty *SDG 4:* Quality Education 

*SDG 5:* Gender Equality  *SDG 8:* Decent Work and Economic Growth to *SDG 13:* Climate Action the goals cannot be achieved without putting youth at the center.

Youth are the innovators in agriculture, tech, health, and climate solutions. They are the volunteers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders turning global goals into local impact.

Youth and the *"SHINE Edo" Agenda of Gov. Sen. Monday Okpebholo*

In Edo State, under the visionary leadership of *His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo* the *SHINE Edo Agenda* is deliberately creating space for young people to thrive:- 

*S - Security*: Youth engagement in community peace and security initiatives

*H - Healthcare*: Expanded access to youth-friendly health services 

*l - Infrastructure*: Skills and jobs through road, housing and digital projects

*N - Natural Resources & Agriculture*: Youth in agribusiness and green economy

*E - Education*: Investment in skills, ICT, and entrepreneurship for employability

The SDGs Office, under *Hon. Sally Suleiman*, remains committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind Through partnerships, training, and youth-focused programs, we are building an Edo where every young person can learn, work with dignity, and lead.

*Our Message to Edo Youth*

*Dear Edo Youth,* 

*You are the present and the future. Your ideas, your voice, and your actions matter.* 

As we *commemorate this day,* let us continue to take local action that drives global goals.

*Together with the SHINE Edo government, we will build a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Edo State.*

*Happy International Youth Day!*  

The Future is You.

*Signed*  

*Hon. Sally Suleiman*  

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on  

Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs