Zulum advocates for youth empowerment, calls for review of 2019 National Youth Policy

By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has emphasized the importance of reviewing the 2019 National Youth Policy during the 7th National Council on Youths Development meeting held on Thursday in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum urged youths to break barriers and challenge the status quo, thinking boldly about sustainability, livelihood, and their future.

Zulum stressed that empowering and equipping youths is crucial, as the future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.

He outlined seven key areas of focus for his administration’s youth policy: entrepreneurial support, job creation, sports and recreation, mental health and wellbeing, good leadership and civic engagement.

The governor, further, said,”It is my hope and indeed the wish of all well-meaning Nigerians that this Council will bequeath the nation with a robust, all encompassing, effective and implementable National Youth Policy. Let us work together to create a brighter future for our youths and for our nation as a whole. Investing in our youths is investing in our future”

“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 potentials.

“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 in Borno State.

“We have implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering our youths, including the provision of vocational training skills programmes,education, scholarships, distribution of Keke Napep, electric motor vehicles, establishing mechanical village Molai and other entrepreneurship support.

“As we gather here today I want to acknowledge the importance of youth development in our nations growth and progress. It is an honour to host this National Council on Youths, where you will brainstorm, innovate, interact and collaborate for the betterment of our dear nation.

“Indeed, we are greatly honoured to host two National Council meetings in the State within a span few weeks. The State successfully hosted the 65th National Council on Health last month and this week.

” On youth, the good memory of which is still fresh in our minds.Borno indeed has reclaimed its glorious position of Home of Peace and Hospitality.

“The youth population is an asset of a nation. Recent statistics showed that 70 percent of the Nigerian population is under the age of thirty (30).This is a great potential as it translates to a larger productive economy in the near future with the promising demographics.

” In our society, the youths have faced numerous challenges, ranging from economic uncertainties, educational barriers and sufficient 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. The phenomenon has become a model for other security compromised States to adopt.

“At this Council, you will discuss strategies to harness the potentials fostering entrepreneurship ,access to education and ensuring that every youths person feels valued and supported.

“Together, we can cultivate an environment where creativity thrives, ideas flourish and dreams become a reality.

“Moreover, it is imperative that we address the unique needs of youths across different regions.

“Let us embrace the diversity of experiences and challenges faced by our young people and ensure our policies are inclusive and effective.,” Zulum said.

Minister of Youths Development, Ayo dele Olawande, has urged state governors to prioritize youth development in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative and economic development goals.

Olawande expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum, Commissioner Sauna Buba, and other stakeholders for their support and contributions.

The minister assured that his ministry will promote youth policies, programs, and development nationwide, focusing on empowering youths, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and poverty alleviation.

Meanwhile, Borno State Commissioner for Youths, Sports, and Poverty Alleviation, Comrade Sauna Buba, encouraged youths to remain loyal and obedient to authorities, promoting law-abiding behavior, peaceful living, and self-reliance through education and entrepreneurship. He also assured government support for youth empowerment and enterprise development.