The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Gombe State, has engaged stakeholders to promote national cohesion and unity to combat the security, social and economic challenges bedevilling the country.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of the agency, said this during the stakeholders’ engagement forum, on Monday in Gombe.
The theme of the meeting is: ‘‘Pathway to National Cohesion, Development and Unity.”
She said the exercise focused on youth restiveness, and to bring Nigerians together towards addressing security challenges, chart a course for a more united and prosperous nation.
According to Patari, national cohesion, development and unity are the foundation for sustainable progress in the country.
She said that building a better society for Nigerians and addressing the country’s challenges could only be achieved through collective efforts by all stakeholders.
On youths restiveness, Patari said the menace posed a threat to the stability of the state, while undermining the potentials of the youths, who are the “bedrock of Nigeria’s future.”
“Youths constitute over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, making them a critical demographic in our journey toward national development.
“They are the innovators, workforce, the leaders of tomorrow.
“However, when this vibrant group is left disillusioned, unemployed, or marginalised, the consequences are dire, manifesting in restiveness, crimes, and a breakdown of social order.
“In Gombe State, as in many parts of Nigeria, youth restiveness has been fueled by factors such as unemployment, lack of access to quality education, poverty, and a sense of exclusion from decision making processes.
“These challenges have created a fertile ground for negative influences, including drug abuse, violent extremism, political thuggery and other forms of anti social behaviour,” she said.
Patari said the Federal Government has initiated viable programmes aimed at empowering youths to enhance their contributions to national development.
She enjoined the youths to key into these programmes to become self-reliant, agents of positive change to promote national unity.
The director also urged them to embrace the values of hard work, discipline and unity as well as shun violence, drug abuse and vices.
Prof. Ibrahim Njofi, the Secretary to the State Government, advised the youths to leverage the state government’s investments in social and economic sectors to empower themselves.
He said that such investments like the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, were designed to tackle unemployment, crime and enhance wealth creation in the society.
Njodi was represented by Yerima Abdullahi, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration.
He urged stakeholders to support the government in addressing the challenges facing the state to build a better place for all.
Also speaking, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd), Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the Gombe government was assisting security agencies to foster peace and stability in the state.
Bello reiterated commitment to peace and security for sustainable social and economic development in the state.
Responding to security concerns raised by some of the participants, Bello said that it would be transmitted to Gov. Inuwa Yahaya for swift action.
Some of the participants, Aliyu Bara and Mr Solomon Ayanwale, decried parental neglect of their children.
Aliyu is the Deputy Chairman, Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), while Ayanwale is the secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state.
They enjoined religious leaders to intensify efforts at addressing security challenges, and to emphasise the need for hard work and patriotism in their sermons.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by the representatives of security agencies, civil society groups, youth and women groups, among others.
