Leaders Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Young People, Emphasizing Love and Empowerment

By Denilson Deneki

The spirit of love and empowerment was in the air as Speaker Nunu Kumba and Interior Minister Angelina Ateny celebrated Valentine’s Day at the Pyramid Continental Hotel in Juba, engaging in a dialogue with young people. The event aimed to promote healthy relationships and marriages among the youth.

During the gathering, Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba emphasized the importance of compromise in relationships and marriages, urging young people to seek comprehensive love that encompasses not only physical attraction but also mutual well-being and future success.

She commended the UNFPA South Sudan for providing platforms to engage and empower young people, highlighting the opportunities available for youth to build their future and realize their dreams.

Meanwhile, Hon. Angelina Ateny South Sudan Minister of Interior stressed the significance of love beyond personal relationships, emphasizing the need to love and sacrifice for the development and prosperity of the country. She expressed the responsibility of leaders to engage with the young people and impart valuable lessons to them.

Dr. Demola Olajide, the South Sudan Country Representative of UNFPA, highlighted the importance of intergenerational dialogue on “Love that Empowers,” aiming to empower young people to build functional and beneficial relationships that enable them to contribute to the development of the country.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Deborah Akech emphasized the need for partnership to build the capacity of men to support and empower women.

Hon. Yar Telar Deng, a Member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, emphasized the importance of empowering each other, creating a peaceful environment for women and girls, and building healthy relationships.

The dialogue brought together a diverse group of participants, including the speaker of the national assembly, interior minister, young parliamentarians, and various young people. They shared experiences and insights on fostering healthy marriages and relationships, contributing to the overall message of love and empowerment.

Valentine’s Day, typically celebrated on February 14, serves as a day for lovers to express affection through greetings and gifts. While its origins may be traced back to ancient Roman festivals and legends of Saint Valentine, the modern celebration emphasizes love and connection.

The event at the Pyramid Continental Hotel in Juba served as a platform for leaders to engage with young people, imparting wisdom and encouragement to build healthy relationships and contribute to the development of the country.