An International NGO, Mercy Corps, has organised a two-day youths dialogue to create awareness and promote Youth Peace and Security (YPS) in Katsina State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue is in collaboration with the state government, Centre for Democracy Development (CDD), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and funded by the European Union.
Speaking at the event in Katsina on Wednesday, the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Alhaji Lawal Aliyu, said the dialogue was essential for the growth and development of the youth and the society as a whole.
According to him, the state grapples with security as its main challenge, which is also the major priority of Gov. Dikko Radda’s administration.
“That is why, when we hear about this dialogue for security and development, we welcome them with all our arms and hands.
“Mercy Corps came to put our youth in the state together, to deliberate on one of the most boiling issue, security.
“Security is a dynamic issue. It’s something that, if you want to have it, it goes beyond using weapons.
“With only weapons, you cannot achieve the full and desired security that we need in Katsina state. We need to sit down and discuss towards ensuring lasting peace,” the Commissioner said.
He, therefore, urged the participants, who were mostly from the frontline areas, “to think inward and provide a way out of this lingering menace.”
Aliyu noted that all the participants were very important, in view of the fact that they represent a segment of the society, “who also speak on behalf of their respective communities.”
“So, I would like to urge all of you to please, for the sake of our people, state and our communities, sit down, listen, contribute and bring out solutions.
“We hope that at the end of your discussion, you will bring out a communique that will help resolve the issue of insecurity bedeviling the state.
“We have the belief that the youth of this state can bring a solution, and the solution is coming from you, because you are part of the larger society.”
The Mercy Corps Senior Programme Manager, Mr Philip Iikita, described the youth as a very critical component of the society, that have a vital role to play in promoting peace and security in the state.
“Our society and communities are powered by the youths, the banditry is driven by youth and to end the menace, it is the youth that must come together and collectively put an end to it.
“So, all of us have a role to play in addressing any conflict. But we thank God, over the past one year, we are happy that things are getting more calm.
“We are happy that violence and other criminal activities are reducing in some communities. And we hope that some of the action plans to be produced at the end of this event will address the lingering challenges,” he said.
He advised the participants to take advantage of the dialogue and brainstorm to come up with action plans that would address security challenges and promote peace across the state.
NAN reports that the dialogue was organised through the Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation in Northwest Nigeria (CMCR-NW) project, focusing on Batsari, Danmusa, Jibia and Kankara local government areas. (NAN)
