From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Rising from a one-day conference of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Arewa Think Tank in collaboration with Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has taken a stand to back out of the planned nationwide protest against the government of President Bola Tinubu over socio-economic hardship in the country.
A communique issued and read after the meeting by the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu noted that the conference with the theme, “Fuel Your Creativity: Choosing Entrepreneurship for Progress”, resonated well with the Northern youths and held significant potential for the benefit of the entire country.
The communique read in part: “We strongly denounce protests under any guise, as they are counterproductive and can lead to violence, loss of lives, and destruction of properties. Therefore we have resolved that we will not be part of any protests. We call on Nigerian Youth to engage authorities constructively through peaceful and legal means, such as dialogue and constructive engagement.
“We, the youth of the Arewa Youth Assembly, remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, advocating for youth development, and promoting peace and progress in our nation. We call on all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector, to join hands with us in achieving these goals
“We, the youth, firmly resolve to embrace entrepreneurship as a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and foster wealth creation in Nigeria. We recognize that by developing our entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, we can become self-sustainable and reduce dependence on the government for employment opportunities.
“We call upon the government to implement robust measures aimed at developing the knowledge and skills of the youth. The government needs to prioritize youth development and empowerment as a matter of urgency, both at the national and sub-national levels.
“We urge the Federal Government to address the prevailing issues of banditry and insurgency effectively. By ensuring security and stability.
“The youth can actively engage in the agricultural sector, which has significant potential for business opportunities and economic growth.
“We call upon Governments at the sub-national level, specifically the states, to prioritize youth development and empowerment. State Governments must allocate resources and create programs that support the growth and advancement of young people in their respective states.
“We advise youth across the country to seek enhanced knowledge, skills, and competencies required for competitiveness in the 21st century. Young people must equip themselves with the necessary tools and adapt to the rapidly evolving global landscape”.
