The Bauchi State Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development Alhaji Adamu Manu Sor has reiterated the commitment of the state government in supporting youth programmes in the state.
Manu Soro made the call at a youth summit to strengthen youth public policy making skills, organized by International Alert on Thursday in Bauchi.
The Commissioner, represented by Director in the Ministry Mr Lawal Mohammed lauded the initiative of International alert and other partners for building youth capacity on policy matters and leadership.
“Bauchi govt would continue to commit more support to the youth oriented programs in the state for a better and sustainable crime free society.
“We wish to express our Govt. desire to key into any of your suitable programs by providing all necessary support for the progress of this state and country at large,” Soro Said.
Mrs Ngozi Felix, EU delegation to Nigeria and West Africa has urged youth to deepen democracy and provide inclusive, sustainable and effective leadership for Nigeria.
She noted that young people across the world are facing challenges linked to job creation and labor markets, globalisation, governance and the impact of climate change.
“As you are equipped with information on entry points into youth public policy engagement, your primary objective must be to deepen democracy and provide inclusive, sustainable and effective leadership.
“You must prioritise sincerity of purpose and place the collective interest of the Nigerian people and of the Nigerian nation above all,” he said.
Felix lauded EU partnership with International Alert, Taimako Community Development Initiative, Yobe and Bauchi states governmment for providing opportunities for young people to build their capacity for leadership, policy issues, conflict management and peace-building.
She explained that the EU is investing in building the capacities of Nigerian youths and supporting stakeholders engaged with youth across different thematic areas.
“There is no gainsaying that involving young people in decision-making processes can empower them and build their strengths,
“Help policy makers view youth as a resource to inform their decisions, and result in policies and priorities that are more relevant to youths’ inclusive development,” she said.
Earlier, Mrs Mary Hwyere Northeast Programme Manager for International Alert explained that the
youth summit is part of their efforts to create opportunities for young people to have more say in decisions making
“That shapes their lives, thus reducing grievances, addressing their basic needs, and rebuilding the fractured trust with community leaders, state authorities and security forces.
“Such trust is the foundation of long-term stability, as it encourages collaboration between different stakeholders in preventing and responding to conflict triggers,” she said.
He however, said the project was graciously founded by the EU, International Alert in partnership with Taimako Community Development Initiative (TCDI) are implementing a youth focused project titled “Matasa Ku Taso ” which means Youth Arise! In Bauchi and Yobe state