From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has warned traditional youth chiefs nationwide to avoid greed and misappropriating community development funds.
The message was delivered by Chief Obinna Nwaka at a two-day national retreat of the Traditional Youth Chiefs Forum of Nigeria (TYCFN) in Lafia on Tuesday.
Nwaka stressed the need for transparency and inclusivity, regardless of political affiliations. “Let us avoid greed. Most of us here, when given opportunities by the government or corporate organisations, divert resources for personal gain. As youth chiefs, we must promote inclusivity and be ambassadors of our country,” he said.
He urged youth chiefs to act as agents of peace, unity, and national development. “Your leadership is vital in guiding our youth to appreciate their heritage while embracing innovation. True peace involves dialogue, respect for diversity, and a commitment to coexistence,” he added. Nwaka also called for greater youth empowerment and patriotism to reposition Nigeria for investment and growth.
The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Danladi Jatau, also spoke, urging youth chiefs to foster peace and unity. He encouraged them to support Governor Abdullahi Sule and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while making the most of the retreat’s training. “I encourage you to engage fully in this two-day training to become instruments of peace and unity in your communities,” he said.
In his welcome address, the National Chairman of the TYCFN, Barr. Aliyu Yusuf Shehu, described the retreat as a critical call to action for youth leaders. He highlighted the unique role of youth chiefs in bridging tradition and modern governance. Their positions, he noted, involve fostering unity, promoting peace, and driving grassroots development.
“As custodians of our culture and intermediaries between the younger generation and traditional leadership, we must ensure our influence promotes inclusion, peacebuilding, and innovation,” Shehu stated. He urged youth chiefs to rise above ethnic and political divides and work collectively for community and national progress.
Shehu encouraged participants to use the retreat to learn, share experiences, and develop action plans for meaningful impact. He expressed confidence in their ability to lead development initiatives. The retreat featured discussions on inclusive governance, youth engagement, and sustainable grassroots development.