By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Nineteen Northern Governors in the country have been urged to prioritize increased funding for commercial agriculture and education to address school dropout, unemployment, and poverty.
The call was made by the Speaker of Bauchi State chapter of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Rt Hon Danaudi Sani Mohammed in his maiden media chat after his recent inauguration.
According to him, “These are the factors that contribute to youths thuggery, banditry, and easy recruitment for arsonists activities.”
The YAN condemned the recent nationwide protest against bad governance tagged #EndBadGovernmentinNigeria which later turned violent leading to lost of lives and properties.
Danaudi Sani said that, “I denounce the looting and vandalism of properties owned by the public and private sectors by thugs during the protest. The Security Agencies deserve praise for their professionalism and demonstration of maturity.”
He however said that, “We will implement community-based policies and programs that will benefit the younger generation. The failure of leaderships at different levels to enact youth-friendly and inclusive policies and programs has been blamed for the protests staged by Nigerian youth.I plead with the Federal and State Governments to continue interacting with Nigerian youth while disseminating their policies.”
He also assured that,”Through the North East Speakers Forum and Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), we will engage with the Six subregional Governors, Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the North East Development Commission to prioritize policies and programs that will keep our youths occupied, promoting subregional peace and stability.”
In what he titled ‘First Sermon of Rt. Hon. Sani Danaudi Mohammed, Newly Sworn-in Speaker of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Bauchi State Chapter’, he stated that,”Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a brighter future for Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole. I stand before you, humbled and honored to accept the responsibility of leading this esteemed Assembly as your newly elected Speaker.”
According to him,” We gathered at a time when our nation faces numerous challenges, from economic uncertainty to social inequality. But we also stand at the threshold of immense opportunity.”
“As young leaders, we possess the energy, creativity, and determination to drive positive change. Our assembly will prioritize; Advocating for quality education and skills development, Promoting inclusivity, diversity, and social justice and Fostering collaboration with stakeholders for sustainable development,” he added.
The YAN Speaker added that,”I have advocated for high-quality education and active youth participation in Nigerian decision-making, particularly in Bauchi State. The Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) is a registered, recognized, and leading non-political active youth movement in Nigeria that serves as a training ground for youths to improve and encourages them to actively participate in government decision-making at all levels.”
He also stated that,”My inauguration as the YAN Speaker was a testament to our tenacity and dedication in advancing the principles of freedom for the current generation via interactions with the government and stakeholders. We will take advantage of our position by sending youth-friendly demands and bills to the members of the House Representatives, the three senators representing Bauchi South, Central, and North, and the Bauchi State House of Assembly for consideration during their legislative duties.”
He stressed that, “I believe that everyone has a duty to develop a strong, viable, responsive, and youth-oriented leadership. To have a better society tomorrow, we need to work hard and make sacrifices. Despite the many obstacles our country is currently facing, dreams can come true even though they may seem like dreams.”
According to him,”The mission of YAN is to mobilize Nigerian youth nationwide and utilize their potential for the betterment of the country. This Assembly must support the government in its efforts to maintain peace and provide security.”
He said that, “In Bauchi State, I will work with the 20 local government chairmen to accomplish these goals by involving local government speakers as active development partners and ensuring they meet at least once a month.”
He also assured that, “We will engage in quarterly seminars and sittings, timely press conferences, and press releases on hot-button national issues. We will hold zonal youth summits in each of the three senatorial zones to notify the government of our willingness to serve as local heroes, assisting in the implementation of government policies and initiatives that enhance the quality of life and welfare of young people.”
Danaudi Sani added that,”We are not pro- or anti-government; rather, we are the voice of Nigerian Youths in Bauchi State, regardless of their political, religious, or tribal affiliations. We will praise the current government’s decisions and actions that are youth-friendly and aim to combat corruption, foster patriotism, and uphold good citizenship.”
“Our goal is to have an engaged youth population motivated by ideas, not money, political thuggery, or praise songs. We want young people who are innovative, visionary, patriotic, and selfless in their service to Bauchi State and the nation at large,” he stressed.
He then assured that,”This Assembly will shortly draft a Bill for an Act entitled “50% Youths inclusion Bill 2024″ to be sent to both the Bauchi State House of Assembly and the National Assembly. This will create opportunities for additional youths appointments to decision-making positions in local, state, and federal government decision-making processes.”
He then praised Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for giving Nigerian Youths new hope through their appointments as Commissioners, Caretaker Chairmen, SAs, and Heads of Agencies.
“We applaud his decision and his political party’s stakeholders for providing young people with a chance to run in the upcoming local government elections,” he added.
According to him, “I am glad that other political parties, like the APC, are following suit and providing young Nigerians with an opportunity to run in the State’s LGA elections on August 17. The administration’s commendable acknowledgement of youth undoubtedly helped the youth of Bauchi State, who now see no reason to participate in the #EndBadGovernanceProtest.”
“Given the past decade of insecurity in the Northeast, avoiding nationwide protests should have been the wisest course. Instead, we should support the Federal and State Governments’ ongoing reconstruction efforts,” he stressed.
He also stated that, “With the subregion holding strategic positions – Vice President, NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Senator Shehu Buba Umar, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence – we must leverage these through collaborations with state governors to change narratives and restore peace in the North East through active youth and stakeholder engagement. This will be our responsibility.”
“I extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this historic event a resounding success. Your sacrifices and efforts will be duly recognized and documented in our archives as a testament to those who laid a solid foundation for improving the lives and well-being of the youth constituency in Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole.”
According to him,”We will work tirelessly to ensure our voices are heard, our ideas are valued, and our actions inspire meaningful progress. Let us embrace this moment with optimism, unity, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we will shape a brighter future for ourselves, our communities, and our nation.”