The Chairman of Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. Peter Tanko Dogara, has urged youths to embrace self-reliance and entrepreneurship as a pathway to securing their future and contributing meaningfully to national development.
Dogara made the call at a youth orientation programme organised by the Kafanchan Youth Forum (KYF) in Kafanchan under the theme, “Repositioning the Mindset of Kafanchan Youth: A Collective Call To Action. KYF State of Affairs and Stakeholders Engagement.
The event, held at the Kaduna State University (KASU), Kafanchan campus, brought together youth groups, community stakeholders, religious and traditional leaders, and development advocates to deliberate on ways of promoting positive values, leadership and social responsibility among young people.
Addressing participants, the council chairman said the era when youths depended solely on government or politicians for employment opportunities had passed, stressing that numerous opportunities for self-development and wealth creation now exist, particularly through innovation, skills acquisition and digital platforms.
He challenged young people to focus on identifying problems within their communities and developing practical solutions that could create value and improve lives.
“Youths must begin to think beyond seeking jobs. They should ask themselves what problems they can solve, what solutions they can provide and how they can contribute to the growth of their communities and the nation. Opportunities abound for those willing to take initiative,” he said.
Dogara noted that the theme of the programme was timely, saying a positive change in mindset among youths would require the collective efforts of families, community leaders, government institutions and the youths themselves.
Presenting a paper on Drug Abuse, Malama Asmau Yahaya highlighted the devastating effects of drug abuse, including financial hardship, mental health challenges and other social and health-related consequences.
She warned that substance abuse continues to threaten the productivity and future prospects of many young people and called for sustained awareness campaigns and community-based interventions to tackle the menace.
Representing the Emir of Jama’a, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Isa Muhammadu, the Baraden Jama’a, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Isa, commended the organisers for their foresight in promoting positive values among youths across the emirate.
He described the orientation programme as a step in the right direction and urged parents and guardians to maintain closer relationships with their children while providing the guidance and moral support needed to help them navigate modern-day challenges.
Earlier, the President of KYF, Engr. Sa’adu Bako, said the non-political organisation was established to foster unity among youths and champion community development initiatives in Kafanchan and surrounding communities.
He said the forum was conceived as part of efforts to encourage young people to become agents of positive change and active contributors to the development of society.
In his opening remarks, community leader Alhaji Baban Kafi encouraged participants to remain disciplined, law-abiding and committed to peaceful coexistence while exploring constructive solutions to challenges confronting the area.
The programme featured presentations, discussions and mentorship sessions centred on the theme “Repositioning the Mindset of the Youth: A Collective Action,” with speakers emphasising the need for collaboration among all stakeholders in shaping a responsible, productive and forward-looking generation.
