Zunheboto, December 30 (MExN): The 62nd Youth Conference under SBAK (Nito Mount) was held in Surumi village under Surhuto Sub Division with the theme ‘24/7 with Jesus’. A mammoth gathering of approximately 5000 youths and delegates attended the three day event from December 16 to 18. SBAK (Nito Mount) covers 144 villages and towns under Zunheboto district and Sumi inhabited areas in the state affiliated to NBCC. Addressing the conference, Wing Commander, S Akheto Jakhalu exhorted the youth to effectively utilize their most productive and limited 20 years of student life if they wanted to have a safe and comfortable future ahead. He encouraged them not only to excel in academics as there was no place for mediocre but also stressed the importance to participate in all co-curricular activities, inculcate reading habits, which would improve their leadership skills, personality and boost their confidence to compete in any private/public sector and requested parents not to discourage their children if they opted in private sector as Government jobs were almost saturated in the State. Urging all civil organizations in Sumi areas, the speaker highlighted on the need to focus on the issue of infrastructure development and economic growth and remain united with humility. “For any economic prosperity in any region, only a conducive peaceful existence, strong social security and good road condition and connectivity would set an enabling environment and ecosystem favorable for investments by Public and Private sector,” said the speaker. Jakhalu said that the region showed promising potential ranging from setting up new establishments, research institutes, agro and horti based small industry including post harvest managements and marketing and eco tourism sector, creating not only new employment opportunities but also boost the dying economy. As per statistics to maintain, establishment with approx 500 public or private salaried employee and inflow of 50,000 low-budget tourist, it has the capabilities of increasing footfall and infusing financial transaction in the economy of the region with 20-25 Cr and 100 Cr respectively, thereby creating opportunities for startup entrepreneurs and opening innovative platform for assured sustainable alternate livelihood in rural areas. He further urged all young and old to participate in the road map vision campaign initiated by All Sumi Student Union (SKK) on “Mission Doing Right” aimed at good governance and clean election campaign in all Sumi inhabited areas, to bring positive perspective changes to meet the aspiration of the youth in the future. The other speakers included Kahoto J Yepthomi (IAAS) Deputy Accountant General (A&E) and Shetoyi Yepthomi, Parliamentary Secretary, Fisheries, printing and stationeries. They also urged the youth to remain focused and work hard in their ambitions and goals and effectively contribute to the society as there was no short cut to success. The event was marked with speeches by prominent church leaders, as well other themes on Clean Elections, sanitation and unity. Singing and dancing competition between various areas and stage shows by Dreamz unlimited livened up the event. A press release informed further that the next annual youth conference is scheduled in 2018 at Zunheboto.
