The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba has called on youths in the State to continue to engage in meaningful dialogue as it is the most effective way for conflict resolution 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 deputy governor who is currently serving as acting Governor described the event as an avenue to recognize the potentials of the youths, their challenges and the critical roles they play in shaping the future of the society.
Comrade Garba reinstated that government’s doors were always wide 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 in the state and called on them to key in.
The Acting Governor, acknowledged that Niger State was blessed with a dynamic and enterprising youths population that was reshaping the dynamics of leadership and reaffirmed that the policies and programmes of the present administration were all centred on youths development; hence, it was important for the young to take advantage.
He equally re-emphasized that the agricultural sector remains the backbone of the economy and acknowledged that it cannot thrive without innovation, energy, and resilience of the youths whose participation in the agricultural mechanisation programmes have been yielding results.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Malam 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 Mohammed Umaru Bago was creating opportunities that will enable the youths to harness their potential in digital technology, ranging from the provision of digital tools and skills training.
The Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Niger State Chapter, Ambassador 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 challenges in the State as well as the payment of bursaries and scholarships to Nigerlites in various Institutions of higher learning.
Ambassador Ishaq also commended the State Government for handing over the Abdulsalami Abubakar Youth Centre, Minna to them, which he noted, it has created room for more youths engagements.
He thereby solicited more support from relevant stakeholders to partner and encourage youths to engage in Youth Council agenda which was centred on socioeconomic activity engagement, empowerment and skills acquisition, education and social development.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE