The National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) will kick-off today. Such an opportunity to come together and discuss issues affecting the lives of the young people and put forward tangible resolutions that can provide technical solutions is nothing but part of a relentless process of youth empowerment which is the engine of the nation's socio-economic development.

The participants should know that NAYCONF is for them, and once it is over, it takes a pretty long time before they come together again in such a forum to discuss youth matters.

We therefore hope that those who are privileged to attend the occasion do not transform it to mere fanfare; rather they should take ownership of the occasion, explore ideas and make strategic decisions for their future.

NAYCONF also provides youths with an opportunity to showcase their talents on diverse issues, ranging from sports to arts, academics, etc. This further explains why the programme is more than just a festival as exposure of the skills and talents of the youths of the county also serves as eye-opener for the government in its development package.

No doubt organising this biennial youth conclave, together with other youth programmes in the country, elucidates the fact that the government is sparing no efforts to empower the youths of this country in its drive for development.

As the programme begins, we wish the youths a successful conference and festival.