From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
An International non-governmental organization, Mercy Corps, has organised a two-day youth dialogue to create awareness and promote Youth Peace and Security (YPS) in Katsina State.
Triumph learnt that the dialogue is in collaboration with the state government, Centre for Democracy Development (CDD), and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and is funded by the European Union.
Speaking at the occasion, the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Alhaji Lawal Aliyu, said the dialogue was essential for the growth and development of the youth and the society as a whole.
According to him, the state grapples with security as its main challenge, which is also the major priority of Gov. Dikko Radda’s administration.
“Mercy Corps came to put our youth in the state together, to deliberate on one of the most boiling issues, security”, he added.
“With only weapons, you cannot achieve the full and desired security that we need in Katsina state. We need to sit down and discuss towards ensuring lasting peace,” the Commissioner said.
He urged the participants, who were mostly from the frontline areas, “to think inward and provide a way out of this lingering menace.”
Aliyu explained that all the participants were very important because they represented a segment of the society “who also speak on behalf of their respective communities.”
“We urge all of you to please, for the sake of our people, state and our communities, sit down, listen, contribute and bring out solutions.”Commission er emphasised
“We hope that at the end of your discussion, you will bring out a communique that will help resolve the issue of insecurity bedevilling the state,” he said.
“We have the belief that the youth of this state can bring a solution, and the solution is coming from you because you are part of the larger society.”
Earlier, Mercy Corps Senior Programme Manager, Mr Philip Iikita, described the youth as a very critical component of the society that has a vital role to play in promoting peace and security in the state.
“Our society and communities are powered by the youths, the banditry is driven by youth, and to end the menace, it is the youth that must come together and collectively put an end to it,” Likita said.
“We are happy that violence and other criminal activities are reducing in some communities. And we hope that some of the action plans to be produced at the end of this event will address the lingering challenges,” he said.
He advised the participants to take advantage of the dialogue and brainstorm to come up with action plans that would address security challenges and promote peace across the state.
Triumph learnt that participants of the Dialogue were selected from Batsari, Kankara, Jibia, katsina and Danmusa local governments.
