Youths

Gombe State to Host Major Youth Summit

Published

11 months ago

May 21, 2024

By Abubakar Abdullahi

In a significant stride towards youth empowerment and regional development, the Gombe State Chapter of the Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Association of Nigeria (JACNYAN) is preparing to host an influential summit on the 27th and 28th of this month. The announcement was made during a well-attended press conference led by the State Coordinator, Malam Nura Mijinyawa.

The press conference, which drew representatives from both public and private media houses across Gombe State, underscored the importance of the upcoming summit. The session witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, activists, and student union leaders from within and outside Gombe State, reflecting the widespread support and anticipation for the event.

Among the distinguished attendees was Comrade Muhammad Al-amin, the current National President of the Gombe State Students Association (GOSSA), who joined hands with JACNYAN to lend his support. Various chapter chairmen and stakeholders from numerous institutions also participated, demonstrating a united front in their commitment to youth development and community engagement.

Malam Nura Mijinyawa expressed his confidence in the collective efforts of his team, highlighting the dedication and enthusiasm driving the project. “The team is more than committed to doing what needs to be done in this project, and the confidence bestowed in us will be returned squarely and sustainably,” he stated.

The summit promises to be a landmark event, aiming to foster dialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies among Northern youth. Topics of discussion are expected to range from education and employment to social innovation and community leadership.

As preparations continue, the excitement and commitment among the organizers and participants signal a promising and impactful gathering. The JACNYAN summit stands as a testament to the proactive spirit of the youth in Northern Nigeria, poised to create meaningful change and drive progress in their communities.

Award

CNG Criticizes Proposed Tax Reform Bill, Calls for Comprehensive Review and Greater Transparency

Published

4 months ago

January 7, 2025

DailyFact Desk

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has voiced strong opposition to the controversial tax reform bill recently presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly. The organization raised concerns over several provisions in the bill, calling for a thorough review before it is passed into law.

At a town hall meeting held on January 6, 2025, at Gombe State University, Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, the National Coordinator of CNG, outlined the contentious aspects of the bill and urged the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with a clear report on the outcomes of the fuel subsidy removal, as well as a transparent account of how the savings have been utilized.

Speaking at the event, Professor Abubakar Sadiq from the Federal University of Kashere echoed similar concerns, criticizing the government for pushing forward with the bill despite significant opposition from across the country. He stressed that the proposed tax reforms could place undue pressure on Nigerians already facing economic challenges.

The meeting, themed “Tax Reform: A Catalyst for Economic Growth or a Burden on Nigerians,” drew significant participation from civil society organizations and regional representatives. An overwhelming 99% of attendees expressed their opposition to the bill, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction among the public.

Comrade Muhammad Usman Deba, the CNG’s Coordinator for Gombe State, further emphasized the potential negative impact of the tax reform on Northern states. Deba noted that while the bill aims to boost national revenue, it risks disproportionately benefiting Southern states, particularly those with higher economic activities, such as Lagos. This imbalance could reduce the revenue shares allocated to Northern states, exacerbating existing economic disparities and potentially leading to migration and social unrest.

Deba also criticized the lack of data-driven policymaking and transparency, urging the government to provide solid evidence supporting the proposed changes. He called for a more inclusive approach, with a transparent and equitable revenue-sharing formula that involves consultations with stakeholders from all regions.

The CNG concluded by urging the Nigerian Senate to halt deliberations on the bill and engage in more consultations to ensure the reform promotes national unity and balanced development. They emphasized the need for a fair tax system that ensures no region is marginalized in the pursuit of economic growth.