A group, Commonwealth Youths Organization, CYON, Ogun State chapter, has charged Nigerian youths to embrace unity, tolerance, and collaboration, despite ethnic and cultural diversity, to foster socio-economic prosperity in the country.
The state director, Amb Ojo Emmanuel, gave the charge on Monday, in a press conference held in commemoration of the 2025 Commonwealth Day Celebration held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Emmanuel stressed that the year’s theme, “Together, We Thrive” was apt following the country’s complex challenges-economic struggles, climate change, social inequalities, and technological disruptions.
He maintained that despite this, Nigerians must recognize their strength, bridge ethnic differences, religious and geographically diverse in order to build an inclusive, and sustainable future.
His words: “As we gather here today to commemorate Commonwealth Day 2025, we are reminded of the profound strength that lies in our unity. This year’s theme, “Together We Thrive,” is more than just a
slogan-it is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to build an inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future where no one is left behind.
“We live in a world that faces complex challenges-economic struggles, climate change, social inequalities, and technological disruptions. But today, as members of the Commonwealth family-56 nations, 2.5 billion people, and over 60% young-we are reminded that our diversity is not a weakness; it is our greatest asset.
He also urged policymakers and leaders to invest in youth, saying “ we are ready to lead, ready to innovate, and ready to transform the world”.
Also speaking, the state’s director of administration, Amb Christopher Olokodana, harped on the need to advocate for collaborations on peace, human rights and environmental restorations.
Meanwhile, the CYON coordinator for Ewekoro local government area of the state, Amb Ogunrinde Success, stated that the nation cannot succeed unless Nigerians unite in decision making.
Success said, “As youths, we remain the hope of this country and as long as we are not able to thrive together, Nigeria may not be able to survive. So It is a call to unite ourselves and have a stand, especially when it comes to decision making”.