In celebrating the 2024 World Youth Skills Day, the Jehovah’s Witness (JW) has urged Nigerian youth to deepen their understanding of the Bible, saying it contains ancient advice for a modern need.
“Whether young or older, you too can find the reliable guidance of Bible principles to be effective in dealing with the challenges of modern life. The Bible has proven to be a time-tested guide to finding true happiness.
“An ancient book of wisdom, the Bible, contains sustainable advice for youth who seek a fulfilling life. At Ecclesiastes 10:10, it encourages proficiency in one’s endeavour, stating: “If an iron tool is dull and one does not sharpen its edge, he will need to exert much effort,” the JW said in a statement.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day. The day is dedicated to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.
The 2024 Youth Skills Day is themed by the United Nations: ‘Youth Skills for Peace and Development’.
According to the JW, the 2024 theme is appropriate as a gainfully employed youth is a catalyst for peace and development. “After all, an idle mind is the Devil’s workshop.”
According to the religious organization, biblical wisdom helps to achieve success; hence youth who acquire useful skills and become proficient in them are assured of success. It stated further that the Bible encourages that such skill, also referred to as discipline, and should be learned early in life. “As stated at Lamentations 3:27, Good it is for a man to carry the yoke during his youth.”
The JW stated further that the UN Incheon Declaration in favour of lifelong learning seems to echo the words of Proverbs 1:5: “A wise person listens and takes in more instruction.”
According to the United Nations, some of the key issues facing youth in recent times include violent conflicts disrupting education and stability, a polarized online environment fostering negativity and discrimination, and persistent economic inequality that limits opportunities.
“In this internet age, there is no shortage of resources for youths in any sphere of knowledge. However, the seeming superabundance of information brings another challenge, finding reliable and trust-worthy guidance,” Jama Onwubuariri, MD, Trucks Transit Parks and JW representative stated, while listing the 10 principles to enable youth transition from education to employment.
He thus listed: Identify your passion; Minimise distractions; Find and solve socio-economic problems around you; Be a team player; Be prepared for disappointments; Have a mindset to create jobs; Maintain relationships; Be prompt, and Avoid destructive habits.
He stated further that across the world, the greater majority of mankind believe in the divine; a higher form of life, as being responsible for human life on earth.
He stated further that the JW website (jw.org) contains hundreds of books, magazines and tracts, with a significant portion dedicated to Bible principles for youth. “Feedback from readers shows that these Biblical injunctions have helped millions to enjoy a happy, successful life,” he stated.
