National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa state chapter, on Saturday, began planting 1,000 trees to contribute to the conservation of the environment and enhance its sustainability.

The state chairman of the council, Jaafar Loko, who led scores of youths to plant the trees, said youths played critical roles in curbing the impact of climate change.

“We planted over 1,000 trees today across the state. Part of this was generously donated by Prof. Egbewole Tunde of the Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

“As young people, we congratulate the youths across the nooks and crannies of the state who are making marks and giant strides to contribute to the development of the state.

“We call on governments at all levels to continue to support us to attain the height of our potential,” Mr Loko said.

He commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for his commitment to the development of young people, adding that the governor demonstrated commitment to youths’ advancement by appointing many of them into various positions.

“We urge our beloved governor to consolidate this effort by giving more youths in the state pivotal leadership roles to play in the management and allocation of state resources.

“This, we believe, will enhance our capacity to make enduring contributions to the development of the state.”

Mr Loko drew the attention of governments, corporate organisations, national and state assemblies and other stakeholders to the plight of the young people in the state.

”Our youths deserve to be adequately equipped with skills, Information and Communication Technology, agricultural practices, as well as technology.

“We urge them to play a more active role in empowering our youths with skills. We also call on our representatives in every office to ensure that youth development takes prominence in their constituency projects.

“Young people in Nasarawa State and beyond are facing very difficult situations with the removal of subsidy on petrol that has now caused an astronomical increase in the cost of transportation, and by extension, the prices of every commodity in the market.

The youth leader called on the federal and state governments to take steps to address difficulties being experienced by urgently rolling out palliatives and other measures to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

“In doing that, the leaders of youth organisations in the state should be adequately carried along and actively involved in the entire process.

“We also call on all public institutions, Social and corporate organisations to redouble their efforts and take steps to address the challenges confronting young people in the state to enable them to make a better living.

“To the youths of Nasarawa State, we urge you to continue to be law-abiding, respect constituted authorities, and shun all forms of social vices and criminalities for the sustainability of peace in our dear state.

“Nasarawa state is the only state we can call our own. We must therefore do everything possible to make it conducive for all to live and thrive.”

(NAN)