Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has called on youths to embrace dialogue, peaceful engagement, and constructive participation in the nation’s building.
She also emphasised that progress is achieved not through division but through collaboration, mutual respect, and shared commitment to development.
The Minister, who spoke at the FCT Gbagyi Youth Association conference held in Abuja, described the conference as a vital platform for dialogue, reflection, and collective action among the territory’s vibrant youths.
Represented by the Mandate Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mr. Ango Suleiman Abdullahi, the minister expressed delight with the indigenous Gbagyi people, noting that the gathering reflects their strength, resilience, and aspirations.
Mahmoud stated that the youth remain the heartbeat of every society, with their energy, creativity, and determination essential for building inclusive communities and securing a prosperous future.
“For the Gbagyi people of the FCT, your role is particularly significant as custodians of culture, values, and ancestral heritage.”
Mahmoud emphasised that the conference offers an opportunity to celebrate Gbagyi identity and unity, while addressing critical challenges facing young people, including access to education, skills development, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.
She stressed that these issues demand collaboration between government, traditional institutions, community leaders, and the youths themselves.
She affirmed that the FCT Administration remains committed to policies and programmes promoting youth empowerment, human capital development, and inclusive growth across the six area councils, with a focus on equipping young people with relevant skills to become self-reliant and contribute to their communities.
Also speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Honourable Mustapha Bala Danaki, affirmed that any society that invests in its youth is investing in its survival and progress.
According to him, “Sustainable development is not just about infrastructure or wealth; it is about people, their mindset, character, skills, and values.
“It is about youths who are prepared not only to demand change but to become the change. It is about youth who understand that their leadership starts with self-discipline, integrity, and respect for elders and institutions.”
Earlier, the chairman Board of Trustees Gbagyi Youth Association, Ayuba Jacob Ngbako stressed that the event was organised to demonstrate that Gbagyi youth are no longer spectators in the affairs of the FCT but critical stakeholders and partners in progress.
He, however, acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, whose actions have realigned governance with justice and inclusion.
“Mr. President placed a Gbagyi son at the table where national decisions are shaped. That single act restored confidence, dignity, and hope to our people, particularly to our youth who now see governance as accessible, not distant,” he stressed.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the proposed Gbagyi youth housing estate.