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By our correspondent
In a bid to have a rancour-free 2023 Governorship and State’s House of Assembly Elections in Nasarawa State, the National Orientation Agency, (NOA), on Monday, met with the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN), Nasarawa State Chapter at the Conference Hall of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, in Lafia.
The State Director of NOA, Dr. Priscilla Gondoalour, said the interface was imperative in view of the present political situation in the country.
This was contained in a statement by Eche Amos, PRO, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to Apex News Exclusive.
“I am here with my team to intimate with the leadership of the NYCN in the State and commend them for supporting and ensuring the peaceful conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly Elections held two weeks ago.
“We are here to also encourage them to continue on the same line.
“Until now, youth were used for violence, disruption of elections, and not for any meaningful things during electioneering process.
“But we have seen that the youth have come of age, particularly in Nasarawa State, and we want to encourage them and sensitize them to maintain that attitude so that we can have a stronger democracy.
“Equally, too, as we head to the next elections, which are more direct to the people of the State, we want to advise them to turnout in peaceful manner and elect credible leaders who can represent them.
“We enjoyed a reasonable amount of peace in Nasarawa State during the Presidential and National Assembly Elections. There was no tension anywhere, and we are hoping that this becomes the culture across the country, going forward.”
She called on politicians and electorate to promote issue-based politics rather than indulging in campaigns that will tear apart the peaceful coexistence among the citizens which could affect positive growth and development.
In his remarks, State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Ja’afar Loko, said the Council was delighted to be engaged in the productive interface, adding that it would go a long way in strengthening the cordial relationship that has been existing among youth of the state.
“This meeting is apt and timely, and couldn’t have come at a better time.
“As a leader of young people in Nasarawa State, mine is to ensure that our State remains peaceful because we are the leaders of the nearest future and beacons of hope to the younger generation.
“We are assured of benefiting from today and tomorrow, but if the State isn’t at peace, no meaningful development would take place, and this could affect our general well-being as a people.
“As a Council, we have been engaging youth of the State on series of peace-building activities to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections in all jurisdictions.”
Deputy Director, Youth, Jonathan Gabu, who represented the Director of Youth Development of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, commended NOA and the Youth Council for working in synergy for a free, fair and credible electoral process in the State.
He said the Ministry would continue to support any activity geared towards achieving peace, growth and development among the youth constituency and the State in general.
