By Esther Akaa, Lafia
The spate of insecurity ranging from kidnapping, terrorism, public disturbance and other forms of violence are derailing the global path to peace and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)16.
SDG16 focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies that provide access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
The Youths in Nigeria have over the years proven to be veritable resources for achieving peace, security and public safety at all levels. However, the youths constitute a physically agile but vulnerable group that could be recruited into social vices leading to violence and destruction.
There is the need therefore, for government and other stakeholders to ensure youth inclusiveness by prioritising their development as a strategic approach to fostering stability, reducing violence and creating a more prosperous and secure environment.
In Nasarawa State, the youths represent a significant demographic group that when empowered, can play a pivotal role in strengthening social cohesion and building peace, promoting innovative solutions to the security challenges confronting the state.
Consequently, at a recent Peace and Security Summit organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria ( NYCN), Nasarawa State, the youths in the State brainstormed on ways to engage government and other critical stakeholders on how to develop solutions and collaboration for inclusivity and commitment to justice.
Chairman of NYCN in the State , Comrade Jaafar Loko in his remarks said the Summit was designed to provide stakeholders and Security experts the opportunity to share ideas on the security challenges confronting the state.
“We are witnessing increasing threats both conventional and unconvenitional armed conflicts, violent extremism , climate -induced displacement, cyber-attacks and more.
“This summit is therefore not just an opportunity to diagnose the problems that threaten our peace but also to explore ways in which we can collectively forge solutions through collaboration, inclusivity and a commitment justice
“We must include all voices in our efforts to build and sustain peace . True security is not achieved by a select few; it is built from the ground up through the active participation of women, youth , marginalised communities and all those who are often excluded from traditional peace processes,” he said.Loko in his speech lauded Governor Abdullahi Sule on the recent local government election and for the opportunity given youths to lead at the local councils. He therefore called for more of such opportunities towards creating an inclusive government.
The NYCN Chairman also called on the newly inaugurated chairmen to prioritise the security and empowerment of young people for the growth and development of their areas.
Delivering a paper at the summit, the Lead paper presenter who is the deputy Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi ( NSUK), Prof Umar Usman charged the State government to prioritise youth development initiatives that will promote innovative solutions to tackle security challenges being faced in the state.
In a paper entitled, “The Role of the Youth in the Security of Corporate Investment in Local Communities of Nasarawa State”, Prof Usman, who is also the pioneer Youth Leader in the state, said government must be deliberate in implementing policies that would equip young people with the desired knowledge and skills needed to understand security issues.
The Don urged both government and corporate bodies to establish mentorship programmers who will connect the youth with experienced professionals to foster leadership skills and encourage development.
“Those who show great potentials and skills should be supported to establish their own corporate businesses as a way of promoting indigenous corporate investments and future industrial ownership.
“The youth council should from time to time organise community engagement programmes and dialogue among the youths , corporate investments and communities in order to foster mutual understanding and trust ,” he said.
Prof Usman who noted that although the youths of the state have been facing some daunting challenges ranging from poverty, unemployment, hunger , among others; maintained that there was need for them to shun criminality and other social vices for the growth of the society.
He commended the Governor Sule led administration for its friendly youth programmes implemented so far and called for more of such developmental initiatives.
In another paper presentation, Director, Centre for General Studies, Federal University of Lafia ( FuLafia) , Dr Abdulkareem Alhassan said the youth must be engaged in peace building processes to Safeguard their communities.
He called on youths to advocate for quality education and capacity building programmes aimed at ensuring peace and security of the state.
In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Commissioner For Special Duties, Security and Sundry Matters, Hon Timothy Kasuwa, said his administration values the contributions of youths and would continue to prioritise their welfare to ensure the peace and unity of the state.
Governor Sule enjoined the youths to be patriotic and redouble efforts in ensuring peace and Security across the 13 local government areas of the state.
The governor commended the various security agencies in the state for addressing diverse security challenges and appealed for collaboration with the agencies to ensure that criminal elements are raid from the society.
The summit featured paper presentations and discussions from participants and was attended by various youth groups, women organisations , traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agents , among others.
