YOUTHS AS A CATALYST TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

YOUTHS AS A CATALYST TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

By

Comrade Ben I. Obega

 

 Igede National Youths Council (INYC) is deserved to be commended. Perhaps, some people may ignorantly trivialize the operational existence of such a National Group that formed integral part of community development anywhere in the world. For many years ago, it is factual that youth operations in Igede Nation were not under a definite operative ‘umbrella’. That explains how difficult it was to draw common interest home. History will therefore, not forget the founders of this noble council who indeed, earned my respect by initiating this legitimate association as an instrument of Igede Community Development. Yes, no lucrative project in life is devoid of challenges, challenges of some political players trying to perforate an ‘insulated wall’ that protect the group. Challenges of socio-economic inequality and challenges of diversity of opinions over a common project, were some of the factors I personally observed to have been waging war against the rapid growth of Igede National Youths Council. That of course, paves way for series of iminiature affiliate associations capable of dis-integrating mutual understanding among the youths. 

However, the significant role of some founding comrades like Alo Ominyi Moses (Alias Amco), Ajoma Success, Armstrong, Iji Egbodo Andyson and many others in keeping Igede Youth agenda a life, is highly rewarding. The timely supporting role of the youths in diaspora mostly from Kaduna and Niger State Branches is a clear manifestation of how effective Igede National Youth Council is. There is no doubt the quality of every society’s future generation is largely measured by the action(s) of present youths in a society. That was what ushered some of us at our youthful age, participating and morally invest into youths activities. Of course, one without moral sentiment have no option than to blow the trumpet of the previous administration led by Alo Ominyi Moses for fair representation of Igede Youth Voice at state and local government level, optimal organization of several fora where highly resourceful personnels constantly educating the youth for better contribution to societal projects. 

Now that the new council executive is on board, every illustrious youth of Igede is advised to support them to achieving more. Your first proposed assignment (i.e. the formation of parliament members across each clan of Agba son is quite innovative. That indeed, will strengthen the democratic structure of the council. It is not uncommon, for such National Group to lost or maintains its operational bearing; ‘political wind’ among other factors need to be put under close monitoring. From several school of thought: “Should youth council executive or parliament members be involved in politics? Should politicians fund the youth project to earn their mandate in detriment of leadership merit and murder the spirit of fairness, equity and justice in the land? Should the youth council serve as a ‘watch dog’ to political players? What is the interface between the youth council to the elite, artisans, traditional leaders and almighty political groups to enhance development in our native homes? These are some of the questions that were left unanswered which indeed, cause a setback to wellbeing of Igede National Youth Council capable of stigmatizing the destiny of Igede in general. Indeed, if politics all over the world is the creation of development to mankind, then, it is not a crime or an aberration for us to embarrass politics in our contemporary society. 

However, for the youth council to fulfill her destiny, we must co-exist. Our actions and interest in socio-economics and political activities will gear towards providing social amenities to our people. Social division and negative internal competition are also an indication that evil forces are at war against our co-operate existence. As youths, I advise that we absolutely resolved to learn from our elders, giving them unconditional respect and diplomatically correct the seemingly wrong formulas inadvertently applied by them towards Igede development. Quite instructively, no youth should be intimidated by any force to limit his or her potential to contribute to the building of our community. Both local and international communities had uphold the voice of youths as catalyst or an instrument of positive change of humanity. It will be therefore, illogical for anybody to regard youth’s positive actions as a proverbial little boy who rises very early to be soaked by the morning “dew of life”: it is high time we realize and utilize our productive age for the sake of posterity. Most Nigerian leaders during the military regime even now, began at the age of twenty eight (28) or thirty (30). My comrade, a foretold war, they said, does not kill a cripple; most especially, if the cripple is wise. Old age, I always said, is not a legacy, but the celebration of life is the recognition of honor people bestow on your ability to execute societal supreme assignment. Abuja based activist – 

Comrade Ben I. Obega wishing Igede National Youth Council a pleasurable years ahead. Igede National Youth Council must move forward. Igede must be great. No Retreat, No Surrender!!!