From Esther Akaa, Lafia
A coalition of youth groups in Nasarawa state, under the aegis of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has backed the aspiration of Sen. Umaru Al-Makura representing Nasarawa South, to become the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Chairman of NYCN in the state, Comrade Ja’afar Loko, made this known at a press briefing held on Monday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
According to him, Sen. Al-Makura possess the right character and qualification to lead the APC at the national level, noting that the contribution of the senator gave birth to the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) in Nasarawa State.
Loko noted that the senator, who is the immediate past governor of Nasarawa state, played an important role in the successful merger that gave birth to the current APC.
“We have decided to take this position because of Al-Makura’s political accomplishments, while serving as youth leader of the National Party of Nigeria and as Governor of Nasarawa state between 2011 and 2019.
“When he was governor, youths took centre stage in the scheme of affairs in the state and he was able to establish the Nasarawa State Youth Empowerment Scheme, which made many of our youths gainfully employed, among other laudable initiatives.
“We have no doubt that Senator Al-Makura posses the right character and qualification to lead the governing of All Progressives Congress at the national level. We are appealing to all APC members and leaders across the country to support his aspiration so that he can emerge as National Chairman of the party,” he said.
The chairman further stated that the group has equally endorsed Governor Abdullahi Sule for a second term in office for being able to attract so many investors to the state which would in-turn create jobs for the youths.
“We equally note with joy the efforts of His Excellency, the Governor to generate employment opportunities and wealth for our teeming unemployed youths through partnership with the private sector to increasing investment patronage to the state.
“Worthy to mention also is the facilitation of investments by Azman Rice Farms Ltd (to cultivate rice on 14,000 hectares in Toto LGA) and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (to cultivate over 20,000 hectares in same Toto LGA) to boost the backward integration strategy of the National Sugar Master Plan,” Loko said.