Dimapur, Dec. 19 (EMN): About 8000 delegates from 167 Sumi villages under WSBAK attended the 71st Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK) youth triennial conference hosted by Nihokhu Baptist Akukuhou from December 15 to 17 on the theme “Youth with a purpose.”
Keeping in mind the ongoing challenges confronting the youth, the WSBAK under the leadership of Rev. Aheto Sema, youth ministry secretary, and Suhuto Chishi, youth promoter, along with the youth executives and planning board organised the conference with the focus to inspire, enrich and motivate the Sümi youth under WSBAK both spiritually and physically. The youth ministry had organised the conference to bring about changes among the youth.
The main speakers of the conference namely Rev. Dr. Hevukhu Achumi, Executive Secretary; Mrs. Khakheli Inato Jimomi, Secretary Department of Women Ministry; and Rev. Aheto Sema; who spoke based on the theme of the conference.
Wing commander S Akheto Jakhalu, in his address, encouraged the youth to take firm decision on their ambitions during student life and not wait to graduate and pursue skill/career oriented education. Stating that there is no place for mediocre in this cut throat competitive world, he encouraged the youth to excel in all aspects by availing the opportunities provided by the information technology of the modern era.
Also highlighting on the prevailing unemployment problems wherein the job opportunities in the government sector have reached a saturating point, he urged the parents not to discourage their children if they intended to pursue their dreams in private sector. He encouraged the youth to pro actively 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, which would help in building leadership qualities and overall capacity building.
He highlighted that Western Sümi region, being mostly in the plains, have immense potential of growth in agriculture, industrial and tourism sector to create job opportunities, revive states economy and meet aspirations of youth and 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 as it would create immense alternative source of livelihood in rural areas.
He further appreciated the ongoing work of Sümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu, YouthNet, Sümi Hoho, various NGOs and churches towards clean election campaign.
The other events included skill development seminar by YouthNet team, stories to tell night, exhibition cum sale, performance by Alobo Naga, various other exciting activities and sermons based on the theme by prominent church leaders.