From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, has urged youths in the state to avoid the trap of unproductivity, warning that many young people are abandoning professional careers for paths that do not promote self-reliance.
Speaking during the celebration of two years of youth-friendly leadership, held recently at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, and organised by the Youth and Sports Committee, Dewan emphasised the need for a mindset shift among young people.
“We must change that mindset. We must start supporting those studying medicine, architecture, pharmacy, and engineering—fields that lead to independence,” he said.
“This government is not just about politics. It’s about building something lasting. After this, people should come to you and see results—not just promises,” he added.
He stressed that the current era is one of governance, not politics, lamenting that too often, youths allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians.
“Support the leaders. Don’t sabotage what you have not yet seen. Let it work. Then evaluate. Many people in this country survive only by God’s grace. I know because I’ve cried. I’ve tried to help even when I was denied opportunities,” Dewan said.
According to him, he reached out to over 50 lawmakers to support student education initiatives, but many did not respond.
“Still, we won’t stop. We’ll keep trying, because we believe in this state and in our youth,” he stated.
Dewan shared his personal journey to emphasise perseverance and the role of faith in overcoming challenges, calling on young people to support one another and work collectively for progress.
He further advised the youths to be proactive and stop depending solely on government jobs.
“If you graduate and wait for teaching jobs or political appointments, you may be disappointed. Start something. Be innovative. Be productive,” he said.
The Speaker reiterated that the time for governance had begun in earnest, noting that the early months of the administration were focused on post-election litigations.
“In the first eight months of this administration, His Excellency was preoccupied with tribunal matters. Governance couldn’t take full shape until early 2024, after those legal battles were over. It’s just like being sick—you can’t function at your best,” he said.
Despite the initial setbacks, Dewan noted that the government had performed well, especially in the area of youth inclusion and empowerment.
“When it comes to youth empowerment, this administration has made intentional strides. We have youthful commissioners, consultants, and special advisers. Even in the House of Assembly, which I lead, we are one of the most youthful in the country. This would not have been possible without the support of the youth and the goodwill of this government,” he said.
Reaffirming the inclusive nature of the administration, Dewan assured that better days lie ahead for the youth.
“One of the first things we pursued upon assuming office in 2023 was an increase in student scholarship stipends. I was particularly emotional about it. Once the proposal reached His Excellency, he signed it immediately. That shows commitment,” the Speaker disclosed.
“Right now, Plateau students are benefiting from increased scholarship support. Law school fees are being paid. As I speak, 22 or 23 students—I’ll confirm the exact number—have been sponsored for overseas scholarships by the state government. And there are many more initiatives like this,” he added.
Dewan said the government has also delivered in areas such as education, youth development, security, and infrastructure.
He called for unity and support for the government, especially from the youths.
“Let’s stay united. Let’s pray for our leaders—from the presidency down to our local councillors. With the kind of leadership we have now, I am confident that by the end of this tenure, even more blessings will come the way of Plateau youths,” he said.