By Ahmed Kaigama
SOME residents of Bauchi have commended President Bola Tinubu’s proposed National Youth Conference aimed at addressing social and economic challenges facing Nigerian youths.
They also commended the Tinubu administration’s agriculture and economic transformation programmes.
The residents stated this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Bauchi, while reacting to Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast.
The President said the conference would provoke meaningful dialogue and empower young people, to participate actively in nation-building.
“By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.
“The 30-day Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice,” said the President.
According to Tinubu, modalities for the conference and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with youth through their representatives.
“Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations.
“The government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from this forum as we remain resolute in our mission to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
“Our government is implementing several other youth-centric programmes to give our young people an advantage in the rapidly changing world,” he said.
On rising cost of living, Tinubu said his administration initiated viable programmes to improve standard of living and make life better for the citizens.
The President said: “The central concern of our people today is the high cost of living, especially food costs. This concern is shared by many around the globe as prices and the cost of living continue to rise worldwide.
“My fellow Nigerians, be assured that we are implementing many measures to reduce the cost of living here at home”.
Tinubu further announced plans by his administration to establish a local assembly plant for 2,000 John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, disc riders, bottom ploughs and other farm equipment.
He said the plant has a completion time of six months.
Mr Seth Francis, National Coordinator/Convener, Youth O’Clock Advancement Association (YOAA), described the gesture as ‘welcome development,’ adding that it would galvanise sound transformative policies through the youth.
“This conference shows President Tinubu’s recognition of young people potentials in running an inclusive governance,” he said.
A resident, Hayatu Sanda, expressed optimism about the conference’s potential to impact youth positively.
He said the confab would avail the youth opportunities to take ownership of Nigeria’s future.
“We commend President Tinubu for this visionary initiative,” said Sanda.
Also commenting, Mrs Asabe Garba said the initiative would have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s future, empowering young people to drive positive change and shape the country’s destiny.
She said the future of the nation belongs to the youth, adding that it was imperative to invest and create opportunities for their growth and development.”
“By this gesture, the President give hope to the youth because the conference will give them sense of belonging, improve access to quality education by addressing challenges.
“It will promote equality, fairness and social justice in all aspects of society,” she said.
On his part, Adamu Ibrahim, a farmer, said the Tinubu agriculture and economic reform programmes would accelerate productivity and enhance food security.
“The Tinubu administration is laying foundation for sustainable agriculture transformation in the country”. (NAN)
