By Gbenga Akingbule
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum on Thursday called for more skills acquisition programmes, quality education and scholarship programmes to help tackle the increase in youths’ restiveness
Gatekeepers News reports that Zulum said youths must be given the desired attention and support to succeed in their communities with a view of preparing them as future leaders
The Governor disclosed this at the occasion of the 7th National Council on Youths Meeting (NCYM) with the theme: Transforming and Repositioning the Nigerian Youth to Thrive and Catalyze Economic Development, held at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Zulum who is the Chief Host said that the Borno State Government under his leadership is proud to host and participate in such an important meeting, where a window of opportunity is open for brainstorming, innovation, interaction and collaboration for the betterment of Nigeria.
He noted that since its inception into office in 2019 to date, the present administration which has been battling for over a decade Boko Haram insurgency has been very committed to supporting youths through the implementation of various initiatives aimed at empowering the youths, which include; the provision of vocational training skills programmes, education, scholarships, distribution of tricycles, electric vehicles, establishing mechanical village at Molai and other entrepreneurship support programmes across the 27 local government areas in the state.
The youth population according to Zulum “is an asset of a nation, as recent statistics showed that 70% of the Nigerian population is under the age of thirty (30). This has great potential as it translates to a larger productive economy shortly with these promising demographics.
“In our society, the youths have faced numerous challenges, ranging from economic uncertainties, educational barriers and insufficient opportunities among many others.
“However, it is inspiring to see how many of our young people are stepping up, driving change and becoming the architects of their destinies and our tomorrow.
“It is on record that youths in Borno have greatly contributed to peace and security and the overall socio-economic development of the State. The emergence of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has brought a great
respite to the security architecture of the State.
“Borno indeed has reclaimed its glorious position of Home of Peace and Hospitality. So please feel at home and enjoy the centuries-long hospitality of the good people of Borno State.
“As a government, we recognize that our youth are the backbone of our society and it is our responsibility to provide you with all the necessary support and resources to thrive and develop to your full potential.
“We believe that investing in our youths is investing in our future and we are committed to creating opportunities for you to grow and be successful”. The Governor stated.
He, therefore, commended the Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Development (FMYD), Mr Ayodele Olawande, the Borno Commissioner of Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba and all other stakeholders for choosing Borno as the venue of the meeting, even as he urged participants to feel free and brainstorm critically towards complementing efforts of the government in revamping the future of youths in the society.
In his address, Minister Olawande expressed deep appreciation to Borno State Government for hosting the NCYM.
“This meeting reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s collective commitment to advancing the interest of Nigerian Youths in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda”. Olawande said.
He called on the other state governors to emulate and follow the good steps of Governor Zulum in revamping the future of youths for the better.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner of Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba highlights the importance of youth in national development.
He said, Governor Zulum who has passion for the youths, have spent billions of naira in establishing 17 skills acquisition centres, sponsored thousands of indigenous students on scholarship in various tertiary institutions within and outside the country, with Empowerment and jobs creation for teaming and vulnerable youth groups across the state.
