Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
In a renewed effort to foster peace and security in the region, the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) has organized a North-West Security Peace Summit, calling on Nigerian youth to uphold the virtues of peace, love, and unity, irrespective of region, tribe, or religion.
The summit, held in Kaduna, brought together youth leaders, security experts, and political stakeholders from across the country to discuss the vital role of young people in combating insecurity and promoting national development.
In his opening remarks, the National Speaker of YAN, Comrade Famuyibo Oluwasegun, emphasized that the platform was designed to raise awareness and engage youth on viable initiatives such as entrepreneurship, capacity building, and the promotion of good morals to drive inclusive growth.
“We, the youth, are tired of the incessant security challenges bedeviling our society. It’s not only civilians being attacked — even our service men are ambushed daily,” Oluwasegun stated.
“We thank God that the government has done a lot. Today, you can travel on the Kaduna-Abuja road freely without fear of kidnapping or banditry.
“The Birnin Gwari road, once closed due to insecurity, is now open. It’s time for us, the youth, to do more to complement the government’s efforts,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Daniel Amos, member representing Jema’a-Sanga Federal Constituency of Kaduna State at the National Assembly, underscored the transformative power of education in tackling insecurity and societal vices.
Represented by the Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Bamas Maidawa Bako, Mr. Amos encouraged youths to embrace hard work, education, and reject violence.
“Education sharpens the mind and helps people differentiate right from wrong. With proper education and enlightenment, the misuse of drugs, terrorism, and criminal activities will significantly decline,” he stated.
He commended Kaduna State Governor, Malam Uba Sani, for his youth-friendly leadership, and reaffirmed his commitment to building the capacity of young people to make them job-ready and self-reliant.
Also speaking at the event, YAN Peace Ambassador Mohammad Khailani described the youth as future leaders and highlighted the importance of self-determination.
“Young people must take their destinies into their own hands by rejecting drug abuse, cultism, tribalism, and criminality. Instead, focus on nation-building and promoting a greater Nigeria for all,” he urged.
Khailani also called for accountable leadership that transforms Nigeria’s vast resources into tangible development.
The event themed “Building a Secure North-West: Strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation for Sustainable Unity and Peace”, featured the inauguration of the YAN Kaduna State Chapter and the presentation of awards to notable individuals.
Among those honoured were Mr. Daniel Amos and Mohammad Khailani as Ambassadors of Peace, and Bamas Maidawa Bako and Tessy Tukson as YAN Advisers.
Goodwill messages were delivered by prominent personalities including His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli, and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Sule Shu’aibu.
Daniel Karlmax
