The Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its determination to continue creating job opportunities for young people to enhance self-reliance, strengthen peace, and boost both the state and national economy.
This pledge was made by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya while receiving youths who staged a rally from the Gombe Emir’s Palace to the Government House in commemoration of International Youth Day, led by Youth O’Clock Nigeria.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the governor highlighted government’s initiatives such as the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps (GOSTEC), which currently benefits at least 500 youths.
He further revealed that the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, established by the state government in Dadin Kowa, will create over 50,000 jobs for young people.
Governor Yahaya urged youths to redouble their efforts in education and entrepreneurship while shunning drug abuse and divisive politics, stressing that such discipline will earn them respect in society and enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of Gombe State.
He also used the opportunity to felicitate with all youths in the state on International Youth Day, assuring them that his administration will continue to give youth development the priority it deserves.
Earlier, the Gombe State Coordinator of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, called on the government to increase the state’s N7,500 scholarship allowance for students by 200 percent, considering the current economic realities.
According to Comrade Abdulazeez, the scholarship scheme, introduced in 2004, is outdated and insufficient, especially with the recent increase in tuition fees, noting that N7,500 cannot meet students’ needs in today’s economy.
He further advised the state government to always consider Voluntary Uniform Organizations in its security planning by allocating at least 80 percent of new GOSTEC recruitments to them, given their unwavering commitment to supporting security efforts despite not receiving salaries.
In his vote of thanks, the National Convener of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Engineer Seth Francis, expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Government for granting audience to the youths.
Describing young people as the bedrock of meaningful national development, Engineer Francis urged the state government to provide more opportunities for youths, who he said possess the talent and drive to deliver impactful change.
Highlights of the event included a group photograph and the presentation of documents detailing the demands of Gombe youths, particularly the proposal for the establishment of the Gombe State Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Commission, aimed at promoting vocational skills and setting up skill acquisition centers.
The mega youth rally, which featured officials and members of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Gombe State students, and Voluntary Uniform Organizations, kicked off from the Gombe Emir’s Palace, passed through the Central Roundabout, and ended at the Gombe State Government House.
The event formed part of activities marking International Youth Week, a global celebration dedicated to recognizing the energy, creativity, and contributions of young people in shaping a better society.
