Yorubami Youth Association celebrates golden jubilee

Yorubami Youth Association (YYA) celebrated its golden jubilee on January 16 at the Local Ground, Yoruba Village, under Phek district.
Gracing the occasion as special guest, advisor for CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo cautioned that erosion of culture and tradition, driven by greed and self-interest, has weakened social unity and identity. He emphasised the role of youth in shaping the future of villages and society, stressing that harmony can only be sustained when people remain rooted in their values and faith.
Khamo noted that the fast-changing world, marked by competition, technological advancement and materialism, has brought paradigm shifts across employment, entrepreneurship, sports and theological studies. He urged youth not to be discouraged by competition but to identify their potential and pursue goals with commitment and determination.
Highlighting that livelihood opportunities are no longer confined to government jobs, he said talents in sports, music, agriculture and other fields can provide sustainable means of living.
He further stressed that skill development, honesty and hard work must guide youth in navigating the socio-economic landscape.
Calling for preservation of cultural identity, language and faith, Khamo warned that unchecked modernization and globalization could lead to loss of identity and moral confusion. He urged youth to stand firm in faith, stating that values anchored in faith provide clarity and strength in an evolving world. Khamo also unveiled the golden jubilee monolith after a dedicatory prayer by Rev. Pukrolhou Lohe, pastor of Yoruba Baptist Church, led by Rukusayi Lohe, convenor of the Monolith Committee.
Guest of Honour, Lhuvesayi Lohe, former president of Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) and entrepreneur, echoed similar concerns, stating that government jobs are increasingly saturated and that employment opportunities today are driven more by skills than qualifications.
The jubilee souvenir was released by Padma Shri awardee and Baptist World Congress Quinquennial Human Rights Awardee, Sano Vamuzo, who called for unity and oneness of the village to strengthen Naga society. Greetings were delivered by Vethisa Lohe, chairman of Yoruba Village Council, and Zasevezo Rhakho, GB and ex-VCC of Kutsapo.
The programme featured a welcome address by Mudihi Lohe, Head GB, and a presidential address by YYA president, Rukuvezo Veswuh. Cultural presentations included a folk song by Yorubami Women Welfare Society and a special appearance by Phuhgumi Youth Welfare Union.
Chaired by Vekhruto Nyekha, convenor of the Organising Committee, the programme began with an invocation by Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, senior pastor of CBCKMH. The vote of thanks was proposed by Pulesayi Lohe, convenor of the finance committee, and the event concluded with a benediction by Rev. Zaseyi Veswuh, pastor of NCRC Yoruba. Competitions in duet folk tune, women’s folk dance and men’s folk dance were also held among the colonies of Yoruba Village.