Somaliland: President Silanyo Lays Foundation Stone for New SONYO Headquarters
By: Abdirisak Itaqile
Hargeisa, 21 Feb 2014 (SDN) – Somaliland President Thursday laid the foundation stone of a new state-of-the-art office complex to house the Somaliland National Youth umbrella (SONYO) at a ceremony held at the new premises of the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture. The building will be constructed on the demolished former headquarters of the ministry of the Sports and Youth.
A design of the new complex unveiled to President Silanyo soon after the laying of the foundation stone shows that aside from the ground floor, the complex will have two storey buildings with an outdoor design and upon completion will house all the facilities needed for the national youth umbrella, SONYO.
Besides laying the foundation stone for the new SONYO headquarters, president Silanyo also inaugurated the launching of the much awaited Somaliland Youth Development Fund which will be managed by SONYO with the aim of uplifting the economic conditions of the youth in Somaliland.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Silanyo expressed delight at presiding over the occasion. “The Government is now taking a deliberate step to address the challenge of youth unemployment and I would like to announce that the government donated $ 100,000 for youth development fund.
President Silanyo also urged Somaliland business community and local organizations to do their utmost to donate funds for the development of the youth.
The Chairman of SONYO Mr. Mubarik Ismail Abdi Taani on behalf of Somaliland youth thanked President Silanyo for his support towards the needs and priorities of the youth in form of the support the government offers and which are vital in mobilizing young people in Somaliland in order to engage with development issues.
SONYO leader also lauded the support given by ministries of Finance and youth for launching the youth development fund.
Chairman Mubarik also stated that the launch of the Somaliland Youth Development Fund is the culmination of a pledge by president Silanyo in 2010 presidential elections.
It is noteworthy that SONYO under the current leadership of Mr. Mubarik Ismail Abdi, has made big strides for the development of the youth in the country.
In November last year, Somaliland National Youth Umbrella SONYO has given out start-up funds to 70 youths from the six regions of the country to help them to start their own business.
SDN Hargeisa