Group advocates for Youths Participation in Governance for National Development

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

A Youth Advocacy group under the aegis of Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement (MAYE) a non governmental organization has called for the integration of young people in decision making process, policy and community development initiative process in government structure.

The group made the call at a one day Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement (MAYE) summit organized by the Society For Family Health (SFH) through the A360 amplify project in Jigawa state.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration, the Jigawa state commissioner for information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa Ahmed urged the champions to uplift their voices, describing them as bridges between Youth and government.

“I urged you to dedicate yourselves to championing positive health outcomes and developmental progress for Youth and adolescent, working tirelessly to promote well-being and support growth” Sagir said.

While making her remarks, the Lead SFH A360 Nigeria Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement, Ramatu Abdulkarim Iyimoga explained that, the One day held at Hasinah Confectionary in Dutse Jigawa state.

According to her, the Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement, (MAYE) Summit is aimed at fostering meaningful engagement between adolescents, youth, and adults.

Also speaking, the Youth Innovation Champion A360 in Jigawa state, Stacy Louis said, the summit brought together youth-led organizations, networks, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to establish a strong youth network, inaugurate youth champions and formulate a state based youth advisory committee.

She added that, during the one day summit the participants were equipped with concept of A360s MAYE strategy and develop a MAYE alignment charter which was signed at end of the summit.

Stacy maintained that, the inaugurated Youth Champions, are representatives from Start-up Jigawa, Turn-up Jigawa, National Association of Jigawa State Students (NAJISS), Association of Women,Youth Health Social Awareness, National Youth Council, A360 project beneficiaries, A360 young service providers among other stakeholders.

According to her, the signed MAYE integration charter, is a committinent to the adoption and implementation of the MAYE strategy within their respective mandates, ensuring that young people’s ideas, perspectives, and contributions are integral to programs and policies that impact their lives and communities.

“We pledged to champion to embark on MAYE activities in their respective communities, advocate for youth involvement in decision making processes and promoting initiatives that benefit the health and development of all young people” Stacy said.

“Together, with my fellow Youth Champions, I will strive to create a legacy of positive impact and lasting change particularly on Information Communications Technology (ICT) ”Mr. Hassan Hashim.

A Youth Advisory committee was formed, having representatives from the A360 Amplify project, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ministry of Information, Youth Sports and Culture, and the Special Advisor to the Jigawa State Governor on Innovation and Technology.