A Gombe based youth advocacy group, Youth O鈥檆lock Nigeria, has mobilized youths in Billiri and some stakeholders to a dialogue on the need for a sustained efforts towards fostering peace, unity and growth across the State.
Organised in collaboration with Maisheru and Munsal Foundations, the activity was held at the College of Education Billiri, and aimed at fostering peace, teamwork, and youth empowerment in the area.
The dialogue, which had the theme, 鈥淏uilding a Peaceful and Prosperous Billiri: Strategies for Addressing Drug Abuse, Youth Restiveness, and Farmer-Herder Conflicts鈥, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth groups, security agencies, and civil society organizations.
Speakers at the event emphasized the need for the youths to be self-reliant, creation of job opportunities for them as well as urge them to embrace agriculture which is a vital tool for tackling unemployment and restiveness.
These speakers included Malam Ibrahim Kanku, Director of Drug Prevention and Mitigation, Gombe State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs; Hajiya Zariyatu Abubakar Hashidu, Team Lead, Wildan Care Foundation; Rebecca Hassan Kwayama, Gombe State Disability Commission; and Zainab Abdu Jibir, Assistant Secretary, Youth O鈥檆lock Nigeria, Gombe State.
Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor of the Gombe State University, Professor Sani Ahmad Yauta, commended the initiative and called for joint efforts to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse.
He also emphasized the need for peaceful co-existence between farmers and herders while highlighting the role of youths in advancing the state鈥檚 economic and social well鈥慴eing.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made a presentation during the event which warned the youths against the dangers of drug abuse while the Miyetti Allah group in Billiri pledged to work for peace throughout the farming season.
The State Coordinator of Youth O鈥檆lock Nigeria, Comrade A.S Labaran, urged parents and young people to collaborate in building a stronger, more productive community.
In his remarks, the Gombe State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, who was represented by the Ministry鈥檚 Permanent Secretary, promised ongoing support for peacebuilding initiatives.
Hajiya Zariyatu Abubakar Hashidu, Chairperson of the Advisory Board, encouraged youths to harness their talents and contribute to agriculture and economic development.