From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Coalition of youth groups in Nasarawa State, have called for the establishment of a Youth Development commission to enable youths participate fully in the decision making of the state.
The youth groups under the aegis of Coalition of Nasarawa State Youths made the call during a peaceful rally held recently in Lafia.
Presenting a Communiqué, to the state government, Chairman National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Idris Ojoko said the Youth Development Commission which is to be established under law will serve as a template for youths to showcase their potentials and be fully involved in leadership positions in governance.
Comrade Ojoko, further called on government to continuously engage youths in discussions and decision making especially in the area of critical issues affecting youths in the state.
As part of activities to mark the national Youth Day, 2020, “A five (5) day programme to mark the celebration of the maiden National Youth Day was held with the theme: ‘A New Dawn for Youths Engagement”
A visitation to Nigeria Correctional Centre and donation of food items to the inmates was made as a show of love.
During an interactive session the entire leadership of youths in the state had after a marathon deliberation resolved as follows: A Bill for the establishment of a ‘Youth Development Commission’ be considered and passed into law to enable youths in Nasarawa State participate favourably in governance and decision making continuous engagement of youths by the government of Nasarawa State, at least quarterly to discuss and appraise critical issues affecting youths;
Adequate budgetary allocation to the youth sector as well as efficient involvement of youths in it implementation.
Approval for a Youth Summit that will bring together at least one (1) delegate from all the electoral wards to discuss issues affecting youths in the state;
“Resources and privileges meant for youth empowerment and development should be properly channelled to youth organisations for proper utilisation,” he said.
Receiving the document containing the demands of the youths, the governor of the state, Abdullahi Sule, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, commended them for conducting themselves peacefully to make their presentation to the state government.
He assured that the state government would support all initiatives that are youth driven especially welfare of youths in the state as part of steps towards addressing youth restiveness.
