Niger South Youth Stakeholders’ Forum Holds Emergency Meeting to Review Engagements, Programmes

Representatives of the various Subcommittees of the Niger South Youth Stakeholders’ Forum (NSYSF) resident in Bida held an emergency meeting with the Steering Committee to review recent engagements, forthcoming programmes and the Forum’s plans for sustained stakeholder engagement across the zone.

In a statement by Comrade Muhammad Yusuf
Chairman, media and publicity committee
Niger South youth Stakeholders Forum (NSYSF), the meeting commenced with prayers and condolences over the passing of the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, Talban Wushishi, and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Sachi Mayaki.

Members commiserated with the Governor of Niger State, the Government and people of Niger State, the Etsu Nupe and the families of the deceased, praying Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljannatul Firdaus.

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Engr. Mustapha Dodo Alhaji, welcomed participants and stressed the importance of effective communication and coordination among the Forum’s structures.

Comrade Attahiru Yaqub briefed members on the Forum’s recent engagement with the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, which was also attended by the APC Senatorial Flagbearer for Niger South, Hon. Sani Idris Legbo Kutigi. He explained that the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss youth development, the future of Niger South and the broader development of the State. He also noted that the Forum’s proposed work plan was presented by the Chief Convener, Hon. Jibril Abdullahi Muregi (Dan Ajiyan Nupe).

Comrade Jibrin Angbasa thereafter briefed members on the Forum’s participation in the recent engagement with the Honourable Minister of Works on the Jebba–Mokwa–Bida–Lapai–Lambata Road. The Chairman and Secretary of the Steering Committee, Engr. Dodo Mustapha Alhaji and Hon. Ibrahim YahayaI Baba, respectively, participated in the engagement.

The meeting appreciated the Honourable Minister for his commitment and assurances on the road, while urging him to match his words with action. Members expressed the expectation that construction work should commence within the coming days.

Members also expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, commending his administration’s infrastructure drive, particularly the Bida–Minna Road, and urged him to sustain the momentum.

The meeting appreciated the Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, for his continued support and openness to the Forum. It also commended Rt. Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (SMA) for his commitment to the Jebba–Mokwa–Bida–Lapai–Lambata Road, particularly his role in facilitating the engagement with the Minister of Works, as well as his continued efforts towards the advancement of the Baro Inland Port.

The meeting resolved to intensify engagements with the Executive Governor of Niger State, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation and other key stakeholders. It further resolved that the Forum should write an open letter of appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the critical developmental needs of Niger South, including the Baro Inland Port and other strategic projects in the zone.

The Steering Committee also updated members on the Forum’s forthcoming programmes, with the 2-Day Social Media & Digital Communication Capacity-Building Workshop in Lapai identified as the first programme on the proposed calendar.

Members were urged to communicate the outcomes of the meeting to their respective Subcommittees and ensure effective coordination ahead of the Forum’s forthcoming activities.

The Steering Committee thanked all participants for their commitment and support and reaffirmed its determination to advance the interests of Niger South through constructive engagement, advocacy and collective action.