The youths from five local government areas in Adamawa State Southern Senatorial District have initiated a programme targeted toward peaceful coexistence in their communities irrespective of their background and belief.
In a conference organised by the Numan Federation Youth Summit, the youths in agreement mandated themselves to end violent extremism and communal clashes in the entire Numan Federation communities.
They described communal clashes as cancer responsible for causing setbacks in the socio-economic development of their society as well as causing them not to contribute to national growth as they ought to.
At the summit, selected individuals from the Five Local Government Areas that constituted the Numan Federation who contributed in one way or the other to promote love and unity among the people were given awards.
One of the recipients of the awards, the MD/CEO, of Adamawa Homes and Savings LMT, Mr Gisgard Norris Stanley applauded the determination of the youth exhibited at the summit to live in harmony with one another,
According to him the youth in a developed society are seen as partners of progress capable of fighting against conflicts and their prevention if given the needed platforms.
Our youths in Nigeria should be seen as the country’s asset, leaders of today and the future, and with this peaceful coexistence initiative by the Numan Federation Youths, and with the caliber of the attendees, I believe it will bring a lasting solution to a peaceful living in our communities, he said.
The Chairman of the organising committee, Mr Seth Murey said the summit created an awareness for the youth to consider themselves as assets for development in the country with the potential to be leaders in various capacities.
Adamawa State is one of the states with high records of communal, farmer herder’s clash, and extremism regularly responsible for various killings and destruction of properties in various communities.
The organisers of the summit said the youths who constitute the majority recognise that young person if not properly informed, are easier targets for recruitment by extremist groups because of peer pressure, drug use, gang involvement, cultism, and the quest for adventure, among others.
The Numan Federation Youths Summit therefore aimed at engaging its youths instead of involvement in violent activities, to be equal partners in its prevention.
Dominica Nwabufo
