Govt committed to empowerment: Salhoutuonuo

Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, on Monday lauded the Lerie Youth Organisation (LYO) for its enduring commitment to youth empowerment and community development, as the organisation celebrated its 25th anniversary at St. Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School, Lerie Colony, Kohima on Monday.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Salhoutuonuo commended LYO’s founders and members for nurturing young talents and fostering unity over the past 25 years. She described the organisation as a symbol of hope, innovation and social responsibility, encouraging youth to excel in education, entrepreneurship, technology, social service and environmental conservation.
She urged the youth to continue being agents of progress by promoting compassion, unity and environmental stewardship. Acknowledging the challenges faced by today’s youth—including unemployment, academic pressures and social instability—she called upon them to prepare themselves to lead and guide future generations.
Highlighting the government’s focus on youth empowerment under the leadership of chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Salhoutuonuo said several programmes and schemes have been introduced to promote skill development, entrepreneurship and sustainable job creation.
She cited the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), launched in May 2025, which aims to equip 5,000 youth with market-driven skills in sectors such as construction, hospitality, healthcare, IT, green industries and creative fields. The initiative includes a digital portal for training access, job placement, and financial assistance through the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative, which has allocated Rs 35 crore to support around 1,600 entrepreneurs.
Other initiatives mentioned included the Nagaland Skill Development Mission (NSDM), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), and LaunchPad Nagaland—a career guidance and skill development programme for higher secondary students.
Earlier, a monolith commemorating the Silver Jubilee was unveiled by Class-I contractor Vilelie Khamo. The ceremony was chaired by Zakruto Kin, with elderly blessings pronounced by G.B. Thepfuvilie Peter Solo and dedicatory prayer by Nozo Mekro.
The main programme featured an invocation by Rev. Fr. Anthony Dukru, welcome address by LYO president Kuko Nuh, and greetings from Kohima Ward-16 councillor Ane-ü Khaming, Lerie Council chairman Kevilezo Terhükhano, and LWO president Neizokhono Tahlem. Reminiscences were shared by LYO’s first president Hojoho Mekro.
A special prayer for the youth was offered by pastor Sakurepba Tzudir of KABA Lerie Colony, followed by the release of the Jubilee Souvenir. Vote of thanks was delivered by LYO general secretary Newman Shangne, and benediction by Pastor Kughavi Chisho of Sumi Baptist Church, Lerie Colony.
Later in the evening, a gala event was held with MLA of 9th Kohima Town A/C, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, as the special guest. The programme was compered by Supou Khiam, with welcome address by LYO vice president Imkongangba Longkume.
The celebration concluded with cultural performances and community fellowship, marking 25 years of LYO’s service to the youth and colony.