As the year 2026 begins, the World Assembly of Youth (WAY) has called on African youths to remain champions of peace, social harmony and sustainable development across the continent and beyond.
The call was made by the Vice President of the World Assembly of Youth, Africa Regional Office, Comrade Preye J. Ketebu-Brown, in a press statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists in Abuja.
Ketebu-Brown said WAY was ushering in the new year by celebrating the resilience, innovation and determination of young people across Africa, noting that their commitment to peaceful coexistence remains critical to the continent’s growth and stability.
According to him, the organisation has observed with appreciation the progress recorded by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in strengthening national and regional security, particularly within the Sahel sub-region.
He noted that Nigeria’s security efforts, achieved through strategic collaboration with the United States, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and neighbouring countries, have contributed to a more secure environment in the region.
“This improved stability is vital for unlocking economic potential across the sub-region and also enhances Nigeria’s prospects of being considered as the host country for the XVII (17th) General Assembly of the World Assembly of Youth,” the statement said.
Ketebu-Brown described Africa’s youthful population as the continent’s greatest asset, stressing that young people are already driving change through technological innovation, agricultural entrepreneurship and other transformative initiatives.
“From groundbreaking technological solutions to impactful agricultural ventures, young Africans are actively shaping a more prosperous future for the continent,” he said.
The WAY official further urged African youths to remain steadfast advocates of peace, tolerance and mutual understanding, describing these values as the foundation for achieving a just, equitable and peaceful world.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the World Assembly of Youth to empowering young people across Africa through support for youth-led initiatives, facilitation of impactful youth conferences and advocacy for policies that promote the meaningful inclusion of youths in governance and development processes.
“From the Africa Regional Office in Abuja, the World Assembly of Youth extends its warmest wishes to all young Africans for a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year 2026,” the statement added.
