12/08/2026
*2026 International Youth Day: Our Youth Are Not Just the Future, They Are the Builders of Today — HRH Kabiesi Oba Engr. Isiaka A. Salmon, MNSE, PhD, ILUFEMILOYE 1*
The Oba and the Leader of Yoruba Community in Enugu State, HRH KABIESI Oba Engr. Isiaka A. Salmon saluted the youth on the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day. In a press statement issued in Enugu today, the capital of the old Eastern Nigeria, the highly revered and erudite Oba celebrated the courage, creativity, resilience and potential of young people across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
The statement further stated that our youth are not merely leaders of tomorrow. They are already innovators, entrepreneurs, professionals, community builders and changemakers today.
However, the celebration must go beyond words. *We must invest in their education, skills, creativity, entrepreneurship and access to meaningful opportunities.*
He urged the young people: *believe in yourselves, keep learning, build character, embrace innovation and never allow today's challenges to define your future.*
The statement encouraged the governments, families, traditional institutions, schools, businesses and civil society to create an enabling environment where young people can turn their potentials into meaningful impacts.
When we invest in our youth, we invest in the future of Nigeria and Africa, the statement emphasized.
Happy International Youth Day!
Signed:
*Benjamin Ikoku Okoro*
Media Adviser & Press Secretary to His Royal Highness
12th August, 2026.
