By Dauda Abbas
The Nasarawa State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has embarked on a noteworthy initiative by launching a tree-planting campaign.
The project which was carried out on Saturday, aims to contribute significantly to environmental conservation and bolster sustainability within the state.
Leading the charge was the State Chairman of the council, Malam Jaafar Loko, who rallied a considerable number of youths to partake in this meaningful endeavor.
Loko emphasized the pivotal role that youths play in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Loko proudly stated that over 1,000 trees were planted across the state on that day.
This commendable effort was made possible, in part, through the generous contribution of trees by Prof. Egbewole Tunde from the Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
He lauded the dedication of the state’s youth, highlighting their significant contributions towards the advancement and development of Nasarawa State.
Loko extended a call to governments at all levels to provide ongoing support to empower the youth in reaching their fullest potential.
The State Chairman also took a moment to applaud Governor Abdullahi Sule for his unwavering commitment to the youth’s development.
He acknowledged the governor’s proactive approach in appointing numerous young individuals to various leadership positions.
Loko encouraged Governor Sule to build upon this foundation by entrusting more young leaders with pivotal roles in resource allocation and management.
He firmly believed that such actions would bolster the state’s development in enduring ways.
Furthermore, Loko seized the opportunity to direct the attention of government bodies, corporate entities, national and state assemblies, and other stakeholders towards the challenges faced by the youth in Nasarawa State.
He advocated for a comprehensive approach to equipping young individuals with essential skills, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and agricultural practices.
He urged representatives in every office to prioritize youth development in their constituency projects.
Loko also highlighted the hardships faced by the youth due to the removal of petrol subsidies, resulting in an exorbitant increase in transportation costs and overall commodity prices.
In light of these challenges, Loko passionately appealed to both federal and state governments to promptly implement palliative measures to alleviate the hardships endured by the populace.
He called for inclusive involvement of youth organization leaders in this process to ensure effective solutions.
Additionally, he implored public institutions, social organizations, and corporate bodies to intensify their efforts in addressing the predicaments faced by young people, ultimately fostering improved livelihoods.
Addressing the youth of Nasarawa State directly, Loko encouraged them to uphold the law, show respect for constituted authorities, and distance themselves from social vices and criminal behavior to uphold peace and harmony within the state. He underscored the shared responsibility of maintaining a conducive environment where all residents can flourish.
Furthermore, the NYCN has undertaken strategic measures to tackle the challenges faced by young individuals. These initiatives encompassed organizing skill acquisition programs, conducting town hall meetings, and launching enlightenment campaigns to discourage engagement in negative societal activities.
Notably, the council established the Public-Traditional Security Intelligence Gathering Committee, aimed at providing valuable intelligence to relevant authorities to enhance overall peace and security within the state.