International Youth Day: Gov Inuwa Yahaya Mainstreams Gombe Youth with New Youth Devt Policy

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has emphasized that the future of the state should be shaped by its young people. He expressed his administration's dedication to providing the necessary policies, opportunities, and platforms for the youth to flourish. This commitment was highlighted in his goodwill message marking the 2026 International Youth Day, following the State Executive Council's approval of the Gombe State Youth Policy.

The governor emphasized that the policy marks a significant step in translating his administration's youth-focused vision into a structured framework addressing the aspirations, challenges, and opportunities faced by young people in the state. He stressed that young people must not only be prepared for the future but also empowered to shape it.

The theme of this year’s International Youth Day, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” resonates with the universal desire for opportunity, inclusion, dignity, skills, meaningful participation, and the freedom to turn ideas into positive change. The new Youth Policy aims to enhance government efforts in areas such as education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, employment, innovation, leadership development, and youth participation in governance.

The governor highlighted that his administration has already demonstrated confidence in young people by providing them with opportunities to hold key positions within government. He encouraged young people to transition from waiting for opportunities to becoming creators of them, embracing technology, entrepreneurship, vocational skills, and innovation.

The governor also praised the government's partnership with the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative, which has led to the establishment of a digital skills acquisition center and the training of over 2,000 young people in technology and outsourcing. He reiterated his commitment to strengthening the state's scholarship system to ensure timely and sustainable support for tertiary students.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged young people to view the Youth Policy as a platform for opportunity and a commitment to their future, calling on them to actively participate in its implementation, articulate their needs, bring forward innovative ideas, and uphold high standards of responsibility and citizenship. He called upon the youth to learn a skill, build an idea, start something, serve their community, embrace technology, seek knowledge, and create solutions based on their talents.

The governor assured young people that his administration remains dedicated to listening to them, investing in their potential, and creating pathways for their economic and social advancement in Gombe State.