By Suleiman Adamu , Sokoto
A political stalwart, Alhaji Dr Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa has said that the emergence of the recently formed Northern Youth Alliance which he chairs, is a pressure group set to foster the bond of unity that existed and strengthen opportunities for youths across the 19 northern states to be useful to the region and selves.
” We need to work with the youth who form the greater size of our population in the region , get them educated. They ought not to continue life without focus not direction. This could be a time bomb if allowed”, he said
He noted that the region was worst hit by underdevelopment thus lagging behind even as the former Sokoto governor admitted that the country is affected by numerous challenges.
He explained that the NYA movement is devoid of political colouration stressing that it is open to all irrespective of political inclination.
” We are an independent organ with the passion to drive the wishes, dreams and aspiration of our youths who also have the largest volume of votes to decide for themselves”, he pointed out as he mentioned that the movement is more or less an NGO set to path the way for youth to actively belong in the course of nation building.
Bafarawa who stated this in Sokoto on New Year eve while speaking to journalists also noted that the region was more united and focused without religious or tribal sentiment than now.
” There was no issue of whether you are Muslim or Christian every northerner was enjoying equal opportunities but today we are divided and far from the foundation we were raised on.
” As it is today, bandits don’t differentiate nor spare any one for religion or tribal sentiment. This is enough to send message to us . We have to come together prepare and protect our house to be in order else we cannot forge our dreams.
” The youths are marginalised. It’s regrettable to see our set of governors of 1999 still circulating themselves for elective positions instead of leaving the space for youths with brilliant ideas and energy to contribute their quota in building the country”, Bafarawa expressed concerns.
He said the young ones should be allowed the opportunity and space to grow hence, the emergence of NYA as a movement to provide an effective and efficient platform for youths in the region.
” It is not an inheritance. I recall the vibrant late Senator Yari Gandi who was at the Senate at less than 40 after been a representative member. Also is Tambuwal who rose from a youthful level to become Speaker HoRs and eventually a governor . That is how it should be”, he cited with passion.
The Sokoto East born statesman said ” we cannot sit back and watch while we have what it takes to contribute to the progress of our region ande especially our teeming youth “, pointing out that ” the legacies bequeath us by our founding fathers in the likes of late Premier of the region, Sir Amadu Bello who stood for development is fast eroding and today we are in a fix for been far from the legacies.”
End.
