As the head of the Nasarawa State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, I am coordinating statewide efforts with youth and stakeholders to facilitate a serene and inclusive local government election on November 2, 2024. The council highlights the election’s vital role in shaping local governance and community growth in Nasarawa State.
In a statement issued by Comr Jaafar Muhammad Loko, Chairman of the Nasarawa State chapter of the National Youth Council, NYCN, conveyed the council’s deep appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Supreme Court for granting autonomy to local governments, thereby empowering communities and facilitating independent, transparent governance at the local level.
“The council views local government autonomy as a landmark decision that empowers local authorities to function autonomously, promoting community-led development and participatory governance. This initiative, championed by Engr Abdullahi A Sule’s administration from its onset, is expected to yield increased transparency and improved resource allocation.”
The Council expressed profound appreciation for Governor Abdullahi Sule’s initiatives in facilitating local government elections through NASIEC, demonstrating the state government’s dedication to democratic principles and effective governance at the local level.
The council appealed to all stakeholders and citizens of Nasarawa state to back the democratic process, cautioning that attempts to disrupt the election would encounter robust resistance from the youth. As youth leaders, we vow to oppose anyone or any group threatening progress.
The Council leadership, on behalf of all youth groups in the state, emphasizes the need for greater youth inclusion in local government administration, urging local authorities to prioritize youth appointments, empowerment, and development during their stewardship.
“As a call to action, the council encouraged youth across the state to actively participate in the tomorrow’s election, our involvement as young people is essential in shaping a future that is inclusive and beneficial for all.“our involvement is crucial at this moment to ensuring our voices are heard and that our aspirations are represented in the election outcomes.”
“I will like to also called on law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order throughout the election period. We urged them to be vigilant, protecting lives and property before, during, and after the elections. NYCN and other youth groups will synergize with relevant agencies including NASIEC and Security to ensure conducive atmosphere for citizens to exercise their franchise affirming our commitment to upholding a transparent and credible election.”
However, we are appealing to the incoming local government leaders to prioritize community development and uphold ethical governance by utilizing available resources to support state-level initiatives aimed at advancing Nasarawa State renewed commitment to inclusive developments, security, investment, peace and harmonious coexistence.
“Let me equal join here in congratulating all of us for Commemorating 1st November annual National Youth Day Celebration, it is an opportunity for us to reflect and ponder on challenges confronting young people and device a workable means of addressing them, as I congratulate us all for the milestone in the previous years, I implored our youth to be peaceful and law abiding while going out to exercise their civic right of electing 13 Local Government Chairmen and 147 Councillors on the 2nd November, 2024.