Every August 12th is United Nations international youth day. This year, the world is marking the celebration with the theme: "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World."

With the harsh global economy and the health hazards associated with the use of combustion energy, the transition towards a greener world will depend on the development of green skills in the population.

This green energy revolution, which has become a new world order, is intended to help achieve an eco-friendly environment and sustainable energy solutions for a healthier society. 

For me, this energy transition presents a veritable opportunity for young people to develop new skills in green technology as a way to close critical skills gap in the emerging industry, and this will also translate to achieving UN sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Green world transition can only be achieved with the availability of green skills. Thus, this year's theme is apt and reawakening, as it further validates my usual admonition to the youths to work towards acquiring new skills in addition to their education.

I want to urge the youths to prioritize acquisition of new skills, not only as a tool for self sustainability, but as a means to shun social vices. 

On this note, I felicitates with the youths on this year international youth day.

Happy international youth day.

Signed.

Hon. Bakare Omolola Olanrewaju.

Chief Whip Ogun State House of Assembly.