The Madi Okollo district Woman MP Ms Joanne Aniku Okia has encouraged young girls to have the power to say NO, emphasizing that the ability of every girl to say NO is the most effective way to fight the alarming teenage pregnancy in the whole country.
She made these remarks at Madi Okollo district belated International Youth Day commemoration on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Rigbo Sub County headquarters on the theme: Skills development for enhancement of opportunities.
The woman MP who doubles as proprietor of Voice of Madi Radio, who presided over the youth Day commemoration, challenged the youth to have a dream and plan for their lives, saying the youth have hope if they have plans. She cautioned them to avoid being swayed from their dreams by things like chewing marungi.
Hon Joanne who was presiding over Madi Okollo district youth day commemorations for the third year in a row said she loves the youth, a reason youth in the district always call her to preside over their celebrations.
“I love to be where the youth are. Congratulation you the youth of Madi Okollo upon commemoration of the youth day.” Ms Aniku proclaimed.
“The youth in Uganda are lucky because the government has already planned for them through programs such as PDM where the youth have 30% share and others like Emyoga.” She added.
She appealed to people of Madi Okollo district to embrace unity and never allow anything divide them. “The Bible says; as much as it depends on you, do whatever you can to live at peace with others.” Hon Joanne quoted. She said such celebrations should bring together people from all parts of the district.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Madi Okollo, Swaib Toko appealed to all political actors in the district shun politics of violence, especially in the coming elections. He said Hon Joanne Aniku Okia is the person President Museveni appointed to champion the transformation of Madi Okollo district.
Assistant RDC Tonny Abeka urged the youth to be patriotic and participate in all government programs and specific initiatives put in place to address their issues.
Drabe Ismail Adirisi, the LCV Chairman of Madi Okollo district lamented that many youth are lazy and do not want to work hard. He warned that leadership of the district will soon start apprehending the youth who have defaulted funds they obtained through youth livelihood program.
Madi Okollo district Youth council Chairman, William Lematia thanked the government of Uganda for establishing industrial hub which has offered skills development to many young people in the district. He appealed to the government to include giving startup capital to the beneficiaries as well. The youth chairman warned fellow youth against idleness and reckless living.
Meanwhile Hon Wilson Agele, the LCIII Chairman of Rigbo Sub County encouraged the youth to embrace available opportunities at their disposal to address unemployment, drug abuse and child marriage among other challenges.
World International youth day is commemorated on August 12 every year since its first commemoration on August 12 2000 following a resolution from a UN general assembly that took place on December 1998.
