Nasarawa 2027: Political divisions among youths hinders national unity, security- General Angbazo

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By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia

The race for the 2027 Governorship election is gaining momentum in Nasarawa State, youths in the state are making frantic efforts to actively engage leaders at all levels to pursue concrete strategies that will ensure their full inclusion in governance and decision-making processes.

Our correspondent reports that aspirants are intensifying their efforts, even as some power brokers are said to be working to alter the zoning arrangement in the state.

At a one-day summit held in Akwanga, the headquarters of Akwanga local government area of Nasarawa state, themed “Changing the Mindset: Taking Nasarawa Youths as Drivers of the Future,” various youth groups emphasized the urgent need for the political class to take deliberate actions toward the political empowerment of young people—highlighting its role in fostering inclusivity, peace, and national development.

Our correspondent also reports that the summit in Akwanga brought together youth bodies including the National Association of Nasarawa State Students, the Forum of Ethnic Nationalities and the Youth Parliament to unveil an action plan for increased youth participation in governance.

Addressing the youths during the summit, Major General Nuhu Angbazo Rtd, who is the convener of the summit, explained that political divisions among youths across the nation hinders national unity and security.

While underscoring the important to reorient young people towards holding leaders accountable, warned that youths should not allow themselves to be used as thugs by selfish politicians during and after the general elections.

His words, “political divisions among youths, often failed by political class, could hinder national unity and security.”

His words, “The youths are the leaders of the future, but most importantly, they are the catalyst of down. Every young person has the potential and the opportunity to rise.

The youths are never idle. Rather, it is the thought of an opportunity that was not presented to them.”

Earlier, the chairperson of the Organizing Committee who spoke during the event, Nina Abims, explained that the focus should be on building a platform rooted in productivity, accountability, innovation and volunteerism to secure the future of young people in the state.

Her words, “This summit is not an event.
It is a call to action. It is a bold step towards unlocking the potential that lies in the hearts, minds and hands of the young people of Nasarawa State to rethink, reimagine and reposition our youth as drivers of the future.”

Various speakers at the event who spoke youth leaders Abimiku Ove, Silas Dauda and Lois Istifanu highlighted political interference and marginalization as major drivers of youth unrest.

According to them, “It’s important if youth are carried along and if decision-making students are involved. The problem that the ethnic nationalities are facing in Nasarawa State is the issue of insecurity.

Supposing we make our villages famine, nobody will even be depending on government because we will be finding solutions to our problems.

One of the limitations we have is exposure and orientation. There are a lot of youth platforms in Nasarawa State but then we lack mentorship. We lack sponsorship.”

Our correspondent also reports that a communique issued at the end of the summit reaffirmed the youth’s commitment to driving national development through active and inclusive participation in governance.