7 July 2014 - To empower Western Equatoria youth to become “ambassadors of peace”, the state government today organized a forum in the state capital Yambio.

Hundreds of youth attended the meeting and listened to key government officials as they encouraged them to be self-reliant and work towards developing their state and South Sudan in general.

State Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro cautioned youth not to be used for “senseless war and conflict” and urged them to not engage in tribalism.

On the contrary, it was vital for youth to respond positively to issues which nurture peace and harmony in South Sudan, he added.

Mr. Bakosoro also advised the youth to embrace education, noting that it is the only way to change society through positive thinking.

“I am urging all youth to go to school because it is the only way you can develop your selves and the new nation South Sudan,” he said.

The governor challenged the youth to be job creators rather than job seekers. He criticized those who only want to do white collar jobs and ignore other gainful opportunities in fields like agriculture and business.

State Legislative Assembly Speaker James Bage said the state would continue to advocate for non-violence and political settlement of any violence if it happened.

He emphasized that although the best option was to ensure that youth were not parties to conflict, it was important to settle their problems peacefully if they arose. He urged them to champion co-existence and justice among the state’s ethnic groups.

Youth and Sports Minister Gibson Bullen Wande said Youth Union in the state, which was formed last year, had representatives from all ten counties. He said this was vital in the battle against tribalism and division.

He encouraged the youth to love their country and be nationalistic. He noted that participating in voluntary work was one way of doing this.