The National Executive Council of the Arewa Youth Consultative Council (AYCC) joined by members of the Kebbi state branch of the Council, visited the Birnin Kebbi’s residence of veteran journalist and writer, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK on courtesy and consultative visit.
The 18-member team led by the National President of the Council, Comrade Zaid Ayuba Alhaji was on a tour of the 19 states of the North to meet with selected emirs and community leaders to reach out to the people and galvanise support for a number of developmental programmes which the Council has evolved.
With a strength of over 70,000 members nationwide, the AYCC is on a mission to develop positive character, build capacity and shape attitudinal reorientation among Northern youths for active participation in nation-building.
Speaking during the visit, which took place yesterday night, the AYCC President, Zaid Ayuba said they have already visited many top personalities including the Sultan of Sokoto and the Emir of Argungu and have plans to visit the emirs of Gwandu, Yauri and Zuru before they round up their visit to the old Sokoto State.
He stated that the visit to the residence of Yakubu Ahmed-BK was in line with their plan to reach out to respected personalities in the North to sound them out on areas of common interest to the North and the nation at large.
Ayuba said the objectives of the Council, among others include promoting partnership with government agencies, philanthropists, stakeholders, NGOs and other development based organizations to support northern youths; engaging in social and community development works, touching the lives of girls, youth and children; campaign against gender-based violence, physical abuse, sexual assault and drug abuse and speaking on issues affecting youth and on issues of national importance.
In his response, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK reminded the leadership of the AYCC of the urgent need for youth in the North to come together to strategise on ways to save the North from itself.
He contended that the huge security challenges ranging from the Boko Haram insurgency to armed banditry and emerging uncontrollable gun culture in all corners of the North which has reared its head have the potentials to wipe out the entire region.
He noted that the struggle for resources, positions and political leverage by the competing regional, religious and social interests in Nigeria has taken a rather very dangerous dimension as recent events are showing.
“We cannot shy away from the realities of our existence in a country that is daily showing very worrying signs of intolerance and unpatriotic behaviour by disgruntled elements who are working tirelessly to undermine the country and quicken its disintegration on the altar of pursuing class and personal interests,” Yakubu said.
He urged the youths in the North to take a centre stage in evolving solutions to correct the anomalies of our nationhood, pointing out that the youths of today are at the risk of being bequeathed a divided and a dangerously polarised country if they stand aloof and watch their nation go down.
Yakubu advised the youth to consult further and reach out to more stakeholders in order to enrich their knowledge and understanding of where the country was yesterday, why it is where it is today and learn valuable lessons in order to shape and influence the decisions they will take today and tomorrow to unite the country.
He thanked the AYCC national EXCOs for finding him fit for such a high powered visit pledging to be at hand always, to advise and actively participate in the activities of the Council whenever the need arises.
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