Calls for Unity, Merit-Based Leadership as KIYDAL Marks 2nd Anniversary
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
A lecturer with the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Dr. Musa Sankira, has identified youths as the engine room of development in all societies, urging Nigerian youths to rise above political divides and take responsibility for shaping a sustainable future in leadership and governance.
Dr. Sankira made the call while delivering a keynote address at the second anniversary of the Kilema Youth Development Association (KIYDAL) held in Lafia.
According to him, the unity of Nigerian youths must transcend political affiliations, stressing that only an urgent and indivisible togetherness can help redirect governance and guarantee national stability.
He charged youths to prioritise competence, merit and integrity in the choice of leaders, noting that historical evidence shows that development thrives where young people actively participate in governance and public decision-making.
“No society can develop sustainably without the active involvement of its youths.
Competence and integrity must remain the guiding principles in leadership selection,” he said.
APC Chairman Tasks Youths on Political Participation
Speaking at the event, Nasarawa State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Aliyu Bello, called on Kilema youths to intensify grassroots mobilisation for the ongoing APC e-registration exercise.
Dr. Bello noted that youths can only support government policies and participate meaningfully in governance when they are fully carried along in socio-political development plans.
Reflecting on the history of Kilema, he described the community as an ancient settlement in Lafia that attained prominence due to its diversity, hospitality, economic opportunities and the historic Kilema River, which he said had featured prominently in public discourse for generations.
Call for Unified Youth Strategy
Representatives of Senator Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West), former Minister of Environment Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi, Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru of Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency, Rector of Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, Assoc. Prof. Nurudeen Mu’azu Maifata, and former Nasarawa State House of Assembly member (Lafia Central), Barr. Abubakar Imam Zanwa, all stressed the need for a unified youth strategy.
They argued that such a framework would help address gaps in youth participation in community development and leadership across the country.
KIYDAL Reaffirms Non-Political Stance
In his remarks, Chairman of KIYDAL, Usman Abubakar Zanwa, clarified that the association is neither a profit-making nor a political organisation.
He explained that KIYDAL, established in 2024, is committed to promoting youth development across Kilema community through education, healthcare, economic empowerment and social cohesion.
The event also featured the presentation of certificates of service to the association’s leadership, as well as awards to outstanding individuals recognised for their contributions to societal development.
