The Kaduna State Government in northern Nigeria says youth cultural exchanges between Nigeria and Germany are strengthening friendship, understanding and international cooperation.
Receiving a delegation from CVJM Fellbach, Germany, on a courtesy visit to Kaduna, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, welcomed the delegation and commended its longstanding partnership with YMCA Kakuri, describing the relationship as a valuable investment in understanding.
Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani, said that the partnership had existed for 27 years, providing opportunities for young people from Kaduna and Germany to interact, learn and appreciate each other’s cultures.
According to the deputy governor, the exchange has gone beyond cultural visits to building friendships, promoting mutual understanding and broadening young people’s perspectives.
She said that youth exchanges could serve as powerful instruments for international friendship, cooperation and peace by exposing participants to diverse cultures and experiences.
Balarabe appreciated the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth for supporting the exchanges and youth development initiatives.
She said that Kaduna was particularly suited to the partnership because more than half of its population was below 18 years, while over four-fifths were below 40.
The deputy governor described the youthful population as a major asset, representing enormous energy, creativity, innovation and human capital for Kaduna State and Nigeria.
She said that the government should equip young people with education, skills, values, opportunities and global exposure to prepare them as productive citizens and future leaders.
Balarabe assured the delegation of Kaduna Government’s readiness to promote mutually beneficial partnerships with Germany, particularly in youth development, education, skills and cultural exchange.
She urged the delegation to explore Kaduna and interact with residents to experience the hospitality and warmth of the people.
Earlier, Simon Duchi, General Secretary, YMCA Kakuri, thanked the Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Youth Development, Gloria Ibrahim, for receiving the delegation.
Duchi described YMCA as a global, nonprofit movement established in 1844 to empower young people and create opportunities for their development.
He said that YMCA Kakuri belonged to the Northern Zone of the Nigerian YMCA and had been partnering with CVJM Fellbach for 27 years.
Duchi said that the partnership focused on youth exchanges, mutual learning, cultural understanding and creating safe spaces for young people to express themselves.
He said that the German delegation arrived in Nigeria on August 17 for the current exchange programme, aimed at learning from Nigerian culture and sharing experiences.
Also speaking, Stephanie Earth, Chairperson, YMCA Kakuri-CVJM Fellbach Committee, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to visit the Kaduna State Government.
Earth conveyed greetings from Matthias Hensler, President of CVJM Fellbach, and presented a letter and gift from Gabriele Zull, Mayor of Fellbach.
She quoted the mayor as saying the partnership, established in 1999, had remained active through reciprocal visits, video conferences and digital communication.
According to Zull, the partnership has produced joint projects and sustained dialogue among young people about the future of youth work in both organisations.
She said that the relationship had built bridges between Nigeria and Germany while promoting intercultural understanding, mutual learning, respect and peaceful cooperation.
Zull appreciated the Kaduna Government for receiving the German delegation and commended the people of Kakuri and Kaduna State for their hospitality.
She said that the visit would deepen understanding of Nigeria’s governmental structures and strengthen friendship between CVJM Fellbach and YMCA Kakuri.
GIK/APA