From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, has called on youths from Northern Nigeria to stay away from civil disobedience and criminal activities.
Yakubu made the call on Wednesday in his remarks at a one-day Arewa Youth Assembly, organised by his organisation in partnership with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF).
“We do not want Northern Nigerian youths to be engaged in any form of civil disobedience or crimes. Let us look forward to the promise of tomorrow with hope and determination, knowing that through our collective efforts, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he said.
He explained that the assembly was convened to empower the region’s youth to be self-reliant.
“The reason for convening this Arewa Youth Assembly is clear: to empower our youths towards greater self-reliance, innovation, and prosperity. In today’s rapidly changing world, entrepreneurship stands as a key pillar for progress and growth.
“It is imperative that our youths understand the significance of reducing dependence on government jobs and instead embrace entrepreneurship for sustainable economic development and personal fulfilment,” he said.
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Yakubu explained that, by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, they would pave the way for a brighter future, where youths can create opportunities for themselves and others.
“As we gather here today, I urge our youths to pay close attention to the wisdom and experiences shared by our esteemed elders. Let us learn from their successes and challenges, and strive to embody the values of hard work, integrity, and community service that they exemplify.
“Together, let us commit to being good citizens by eschewing conflicts, embracing unity, and rejecting all forms of criminality. It is only through unity and peace that we can create an environment conducive to economic activities and sustainable development in our beloved Nigeria,” he said.
The Arewa Think Tank leader expressed his gratitude to the youths who graced the assembly with their presence.
“Your enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to peace, rather than chaos and protests, are truly inspiring.
“I assure you that this is just the beginning – expect another Arewa Youth Assembly next year, where we will continue to empower, inspire, and celebrate the potential of our youths,” he said.
He extended his gratitude to the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation for their invaluable collaboration in making the event a resounding success.
“The presence of esteemed elder statesmen among us today is truly a testament to the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders in our beloved Arewa,” he added.