Former Jigawa, Kaduna govs, ex-IGP seek greater youth participation in politics

By Muhammad Ahmad

DUTSE – Former Jigawa Gov. Sule Lamido and his Kaduna counterpart, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, have called for greater participation of youths in politics and governance in Nigeria.

They made the call at a one-day lecture organised to mark Lamido’s 78th birthday anniversary in Dutse on Sunday.

The former governors stressed the need for youths to imbibe the values of tolerance, perseverance and respect for the ideological foundations laid by the country’s founding fathers.

Makarfi, who chaired the lecture with the theme: “Re-orienting the Youths on Politics of Ideology Towards Rebuilding a New Nigeria,” described the discussion as timely, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching.

“The timing of this discussion is very apt. This is a topic that the former Jigawa governor and I have always discussed, and he has always been concerned about the future of our youths, which I also share,” he said.

Makarfi expressed concern about what he described as the lack of direction among some youths in the North-West, urging them to learn from their counterparts in other parts of the country.

He said youths in the region should engage their peers across the country and learn from their experiences to develop qualities that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to leadership and governance.

“Some of us have chosen to remain in the PDP despite the fact that it is not in a perfect shape at the moment, due to our ideological conviction.

“So, with the 2027 elections fast approaching, I urge youths from the North-West to reach out to their peers from other parts of the country so that they can imbibe some of those qualities of leadership and translate them into their immediate environment,” he said.

Lamido said he chose to mark his birthday with a reflection on the state of Nigerian youths, particularly those in the northern part of the country.

He said he deliberately opted for the lecture instead of an elaborate celebration where serving and former leaders would gather for entertainment.

“Those of us who benefitted from the leadership qualities of our founding fathers, such as the Sardauna of Sokoto and Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, have failed to teach the younger generation of leaders who we expect to take over from us.

“Instead, we have turned them into political thugs,” Lamido said.

He said Nigerians must begin to prepare young people for leadership, noting that those who were 25 years old today could assume leadership responsibilities in the coming decades.

“If they are not taught the qualities of leadership, how would they give the next generation the kind of leadership qualities they require?” he asked.

In his remarks, former Inspector-General of Police and PDP senatorial candidate for Jigawa South-West, Mr Suleiman Abba, commended Lamido for dedicating his birthday celebration to issues concerning the next generation of leaders.

Abba said the initiative would inspire young Nigerians aspiring to leadership positions, particularly ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

The event was attended by Prof. Nu’uman Muhammad Habib, Dr Auwalu Anwar, Prof. Kamilu Sani Fagge, Dr Akilu Sani Indabawa and Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, among others.

Also in attendance were family members, friends, well-wishers and political associates of the former governor.