Dimapur, December 19 (MExN): The 71st Youth Triennial Conference of Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) was hosted by Nihokhu Baptist Akukuhou from December 15 to 17 with attendance of 8000 delegates.
Held under the theme ‘Youth with a Purpose,’ the conference was organized with a focus to inspire, enrich, and motivate the Sümi youths under WSBAK both spiritually and physically, informed a press release from the media team of the conference.
The main speakers of the conference were Rev. Dr. Hevukhu Achumi, WSBAK Executive Secretary, Khakheli Inato Jimomi, Secretary, Department of Women Ministry, and Rev. Aheto Sema. They spoke based on the theme of the conference.
Wing Commander S Akheto Jakhalu speaking at the conference encouraged the youth to be firm in their ambitions early and not wait until graduation, pursue skill/career oriented education, aim to excel in all aspects as there is no place for mediocre, and utilize information technology effectively. With advancement in the information technology, he stated, there was no reason or excuse now of being unaware of career opportunities if the youths intend to have a comfortable future ahead. Concerned about unemployment and saturation of government jobs in the state, he urged the parents not to discourage their children if they intended to pursue their dreams in private sector.
He further said that along with theoretical knowledge as a student, there was a need to build and focus on leadership and soft skills to clear interview after the written exams for any kind of job today. He encouraged the youth to proactively participate in extra co-curricular activities, games and sports, group activities, engage in hobbies, be humble and inculcate reading habits of minimum 20 minutes a day to enhance general awareness. These, he said, will help in building leadership qualities and overall capacity building.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that Western Sümi region being mostly in the plains has immense potential of growth in agriculture, industrial and tourism sector to create job opportunities, revive state’s economy and meet aspirations of youths. Stating that it could be the next commercial and industrial hub of South East Asia if the vision action plan was collectively pursued positively, he urged the village councils and GBs to welcome establishments/ development projects and investments saying they create immense alternative source of livelihood in rural areas.
Further, he said a lot of youths are being encouraged to engage in business/ entrepreneurs but the need of the hour is enhancing footfall and financial purchase capacity of clients to make any business successful and such measures would help startup entrepreneurs.
Jakhalu maintained that peace, strong social security, good road and connectivity are needed to set an enabling ecosystem conducive for growth and investments.
He also urged all the young and old to participate in the ongoing clean election and good governance campaign as “its success would secure the aspirations of youths, enhance quality of life.” It could add to their good work if the student unions, Hohos and NGOs take up development issues as major agenda and monitor to its logical conclusion, he viewed.
During the conference, which had speakers from various fields, the youths were encouraged to have the spirit and passion of dignity of labour.
The conference included praise and worship, exhibition of indigenous and contemporary items, special song, dance and beat box presentations, skill development seminar by YouthNet team, stories to tell night, exhibition cum sale, performance by Alobo Naga, various other exciting activities, and sermons. Thousand of youths re-dedicated their lives to live a righteous life with a purpose at the conference, according to the release.
Rev. Aheto encouraged the youths to stand firm in their commitment until the next youth conference in 2020. WSBAK under NBCC covers 167 Sümi villages with a vast majority falling under Dimapur district.
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