By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

Youth O’clock Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter, in collaboration with the Maisheru and Munsal Foundations, has convened a high-level stakeholder engagement aimed at promoting peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and conflict resolution in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The engagement, which held at the College of Education Billiri, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth groups, security agencies, and civil society organizations to discuss sustainable strategies for ending local conflicts and empowering young people.

With the theme: “Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Billiri: Strategies for Addressing Drug Abuse and the Farmer-Herder Conflict,” the event featured a panel discussion that highlighted the root causes of communal unrest and substance abuse among youths.

Panelists included Malam Ibrahim Kanku from the Gombe State Ministry of Internal Security, Hajiya Zariyatu Hashidu of the Wildan Foundation, Robecca Kwayama of the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and Zainab Abdu Jibir of Youth O’clock Nigeria.

They emphasized the need for job creation, vocational training, and social inclusion as effective tools for addressing youth restiveness and building community resilience.

Speaking, the State Coordinator of Youth O’clock Nigeria, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, described the engagement as a grassroots-driven solution to the growing threats of drug abuse, violent clashes, and youth marginalization.

He said the initiative was designed not only to raise awareness but also to foster collaboration among critical stakeholders in finding lasting peace in Gombe State and Nigeria in general.

According to him, until the government and communities begin to invest in the potential of young people through education, mentorship, and economic opportunities, insecurity will remain a persistent challenge.

Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University, Professor Sani Ahmad Yauta, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and crucial for promoting harmony and sustainable development in the area and beyond.

He stressed the importance of collective efforts in raising awareness on the dangers of drug abuse, while calling for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

Also speaking, representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) delivered sensitization talks on the health and social risks associated with substance abuse, urging community stakeholders to remain vigilant and supportive of rehabilitation efforts.

The Billiri chapter of Miyetti Allah pledged to uphold peace during this year’s rainy season, assuring the community of its commitment to nonviolence and dialogue.

In a message of support, the Gombe State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Colonel Abdullahi Bello (Rtd), through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hassan Abubakar, reaffirmed the government’s readiness to partner with civil society in strengthening local peace structures.

In her remarks, Hajiya Zariyatu Hashidu urged young people to be proactive, self-reliant, and committed to community growth, calling for sustained advocacy on youth empowerment and inclusive development in Billiri, Gombe State, and across the Country.

The event is part of ongoing grassroots efforts by the Youth O’clock Nigeria to foster unity, reduce insecurity, and promote a future where young people are seen not as threats, but as agents of peace and progress.

By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

The HANS (Hold A Needy and Support) Centre for Social Justice and Development has unveiled a three-month mentorship programme aimed at empowering 120 schoolgirls across Gombe State to foster self-reliance and professional growth.

As part of the activities commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day, the programme was launched during a grand ceremony at the Linmana Event Centre, Tunfure, Gombe.

The initiative pairs the participants with accomplished female professionals, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and senior military officers.

Through workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, the programme aims to inspire the girls to pursue impactful careers, become innovators, and drive positive change in society.

Participants were grouped and mentored by prominent women, including commissioners, local government chairpersons, professors, senior healthcare practitioners, women activists, and officers from the Nigeria Police Force and NSCDC. These mentors shared their experiences and provided guidance to the girls, empowering them to navigate professional paths successfully.

Barrister Hannatu Dauda Simon, Founder and Chairperson of the HANS Centre Board of Trustees, shared the vision behind the initiative during the event.

“Our goal is to increase the number of young women pursuing professional careers, enhance economic independence among women, and establish a sustainable network of mentors and mentees,” she stated.

Hannatu explained her inspiration for the project, saying, “As a lawyer, I’ve encountered numerous cases of gender-based violence physical, sexual, and economic stemming from a lack of education and empowerment. This initiative seeks to address these issues by equipping young girls with knowledge and skills.”

She added that the mentorship programme will encourage the girls to stay in school, choose career paths that benefit their communities, and become independent contributors to society.

“We are creating a support system for these girls. They are now official beneficiaries of this NGO, and mentors will be assigned to guide them and monitor their progress,” she emphasized.

The 120 participants include representatives from each of Gombe State’s 114 political wards, along with additional nominees from schools within Gombe metropolis and the NGO’s Board of Trustees.

This mentorship programme is a major stride toward addressing gender disparities in education and career opportunities, setting a foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future for young women in Gombe State.

By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

In a major boost for youth empowerment and security initiatives in Gombe State, the Funakaye Emirate Council has pledged its full support to the Youth O’Clock Advancement Movement Association of Nigeria.

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Funakaye, Alh. Yakubu Muhammad Kwairanga, made this declaration at his palace in Bajoga while receiving a delegation from the movement, led by the Gombe State Coordinator, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, on an advocacy visit.

Speaking during the visit, the Emir emphasized that peace and stability are the backbone of any meaningful development, reaffirming the Emirate’s commitment to backing Youth O’Clock Nigeria’s efforts, particularly in promoting peace and youth development.

The royal father noted that Gombe State’s continued development in various sectors is largely due to the prevailing peace and security, assuring that as custodians of tradition, they will remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that sustain this harmony.

On his part, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran stated that the purpose of the visit was to seek royal blessings and to brief him on the objectives of the association, particularly its proposed Peace Dialogue Initiative aimed at fostering religious tolerance and security in the state.

He described traditional leaders as key stakeholders in shaping a secure and progressive society, emphasizing their crucial role in mentoring young people to become responsible future leaders.

In a related development, the Youth O’Clock delegation also visited the Director of the Skills Development Center at Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga, Yahya Ali, to discuss possible collaborations on youth skill acquisition.

The director assured the delegation that the Polytechnic will review their proposals and explore avenues for partnering with the movement to train youths in various vocational skills, including welding, garment making, GSM repairs, and more.

The delegation comprised state and Yamaltu Deba Local Government executives of the movement, reaffirming their commitment to empowering young people and promoting a peaceful and progressive Gombe State.