CITIZENS COMPASS— The council of Chairmen of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on Tuesday, called for youth empowerment and peaceful civic participation in Nigeria.
They made the promise in Lagos, during an NYCN gathering of State chairmen from all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) for a strategic and impactful retreat.
Engr Ibrahim Adigun, chairman of the forum reiterated their desire to strengthen collaboration with institutions to enhance youth-focused initiatives as part of ways to address the current security challenges bedevelling the country.
Adigun urged the Federal Government to domesticate empowerment implementation initiatives within the NYCN and creation of a youth advisory council in all Police formations to deepen Police, youth relationships across the Nation.
“NYCN has undertaken a series of engagements, advocacy missions and strategic interactions across Lagos State and beyond.
“The advocacy is aimed at strengthening youth leadership, deepening civic participation and promoting national development.
“These activities have reaffirmed our belief that Nigeria’s young population remains the most critical resource for the progress of our nation,” he said.
He expressed concern over rising insecurity and urged youths to stay calm and avoid actions that could worsen tensions but rather encouraged them to focus on positive nation-building.
However, he called for inclusion of youth leaders in local security councils, improved communication between government and youths adding that the proposed youth confab would also rebuild stronger action against youths engaging in kidnapping and terrorism.
He urged governors to engage youths through existing structures, prioritizing youth development, and appealed to all states of federation to create ministry of youths and employment to reduce restiveness and crime.
In his remarks, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development encouraged the chairmen to remain exemplary youths, ambassadors of their states and the country at large.
Ogunlende, who hosted the delegation at a dinner at Lagoon View Hotel, reaffirmed Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s continued pursuit of a progressive Lagos, particularly through youth inclusion and human capital development, applauded Adigun for his visionary leadership.
“Leadership positions are opportunities for growth and preparation for greater roles in the future,” he said.
Citizens Compass reports that they went on a courtesy visit to the palace of a traditional ruler Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal,( Oniru of Iru Kingdom).
The traditional ruler commended their commitment to national progress, encouraged them to promote unity and purposeful youth engagement, urged the youth leaders to maintain integrity, discipline, and national pride.
