Youth must reclaim Nigeria through common ideology, discipline — Dr. Bura
By Ahmed Ahmed
A Bauchi-based academic, Dr. Abdul Bura of the Department of Mass Communication, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, has urged Nigerian youth to unite under a common ideology and strengthen their moral and organisational capacity if they must assume leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Dr. Bura made the call on Thursday in Bauchi while delivering a keynote address at the inauguration of the Youth O’Clock Nigeria Bauchi State Executive Committee and the commencement of a leadership, governance, and security training programme.
He noted that Nigeria is currently at a crossroads in the areas of security, economy, and governance, stressing that the youth who constitute about 70 per cent of the nation’s population remain the most capable group to rescue the country.
However, he lamented that young people are largely excluded from leadership structures nationwide.
“Today’s world is not the world of yesterday. Governance is no longer driven solely by traditional structures but by innovation, data, technology, and global interconnectedness,” he said.
“The youth of today are more informed, creative, and connected than ever before. For a nation to progress, it must harness this energy because the future belongs to those who prepare for it.”
Bura identified lack of a common ideology, poor organisation, absence of sustainable funding models for youth movements, and rising moral and ethical challenges including drug abuse and disrespect for elders as major obstacles hindering youth leadership.
He advised young people to embrace crowdfunding rather than soliciting or begging for support and to seek mentorship from current leaders.
Representing the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi Command, Mr. Sani-Omolori Aliyu, CSP Mohammed Barau also charged the youth to pursue activities that promote peace and development.
“You are the bedrock of society. Shun anything that tarnishes the image of the country,” he warned.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the National Coordinator of Youth O’Clock Advancement Association (YOAA), Engr. Seth Francis, described the inauguration as “a movement” aimed at raising leaders, strengthening governance, and securing communities.
He urged the new executives to serve with integrity and responsibility.
Similarly, the Bauchi State Coordinator of YOAA, Mr. Jamilu Husaini Zakari, congratulated the newly inaugurated executives, describing the event as “a new dawn for youth empowerment.”
He encouraged them to uphold accountability, unity, and patriotism as they take on their new roles.
He added, “The progress of our communities and the future of Bauchi State depend on the actions we take today. Together, we rise.”
