The Acting Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba has called on the Youth of the State to continue to engage in meaningful dialogue as it is the most effective way of resolving conflict and promoting peace.
He made the call during the 2024 International Youth Day organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter, held at the Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna.
The Acting Governor described the event as an avenue to recognise the potential of the youth, their challenges and the critical role they play in shaping the future of the society.
Comrade Garba reaffirmed that the Government’s doors are always open for dialogue and believe that through constructive engagement and collaboration, issues will be resolved quickly as the State Government seeks to work together with its citizens to build a peaceful and prosperous Niger State.
Comrade Yakubu Garba also acknowledged that the Niger State sub-theme of the 2024 International Youth Day which is, “Positioning Niger State as the Lead Driver in Nigeria’s Food Security Efforts: Youths as Critical Actors”, is apt as it aligns with the ongoing agricultural mechanisation revolution of the Bago-led administration and called on them to key in.
He acknowledged that Niger State is blessed with a dynamic and enterprising youth population that is reshaping the dynamics of leadership and reaffirmed that the policies and programmes of the present administration are all centred on youth development; hence, it is important for the young to take advantage of that.
The acting Governor equally re-emphasised that the agricultural sector remains the backbone of the economy and acknowledged that it cannot thrive without innovation, energy, and resilience of the youth whose participation in the agricultural mechanisation programmes have been yielding results.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Yahaya Ibrahim Gulbin Boka in his remarks, described the youth as front-runners of the digital revolution which has been rapidly transforming every sector of human lives and called on them not to be left out in the digital world.
He said the administration of Governor Umaru Bago is creating opportunities that will enable the youth to harness their potentials in digital technology, ranging from the provision of digital tools and skills training.
The Commissioner said the Ministry is collaborating with its Communication and Digital Economy counterpart to ensure that youths have access to quality education and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
The Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Niger State Chapter, Amb. Abdullahi Mohammed Ishaq, applauded the administration of Mohammed Umaru Bago for the political will to develop Niger State through the New Niger Agenda and his efforts in engaging various modalities in reducing insecurity in the State as well as the payment of bursaries and scholarships to Nigerlites in various Institutions of learning.
Amb. Ishaq also commended the State Government for handing over the Abdulsalami Abubakar Youth Center Minna to them, which he disclosed that it has created room for more youth engagements.
He solicited more support from relevant stakeholders to partner and encourage youth to engage in Youth Council agenda which is centred around socioeconomic activity engagement, empowerment and skills acquisition, education and social development.
High point of the event was the presentation of National honour award to the NYCN Chairman, Niger State Chapter, Amb. Muhammad Ishaq for being the best Youth Council leader in the 19 Northern States and the second best in Nigeria.
