By Zakariyya Aliyu Gwaram
In a bid to “nip unrest in the bud” and steer the ship of governance towards a brighter future, the Adamawa State Government, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on New Media, Muhammad Bakari Tukur, organized a Dialogue for Peace under the theme: “Engaging Youth for Good Governance.”
The event, which took place on Saturday, 17th August 2024, at the Fombina Royal Hotel, Army Barracks, saw the convergence of key stakeholders, including government officials, scholars, and the youth, to chart a course for a peaceful and progressive Adamawa.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, James Iliya, emphasized the administration’s commitment to youth development as the cornerstone of sustainable governance.
The dialogue, he said, is a testament to the government’s policy of inclusivity, which aims to leave no one behind and touch every aspect of governance.
He highlighted the government’s efforts to empower the youth through subsidized education, the revival of scholarships, and opportunities for overseas study, underscoring the administration’s belief in the capacity of youth to drive innovation and progress in the state.
Muhammad Bakari Tukur, the SSA on New Media, noted that the theme of the dialogue resonates deeply with the government’s aspirations for peaceful coexistence.
He described the youth as critical to the future of the state and urged them to hold leaders accountable. Tukur emphasized the importance of dialogue in amplifying marginalized voices and providing a platform for the youth to engage in governance actively.
The event featured a keynote lecture by Prof. Peter Ogondo, a renowned communication expert, who justified the need for dialogue, especially in light of recent incidents across the country. Prof. Ogondo defined dialogue as a crucial tool for governance that mitigates conflicts and aligns the government’s actions with the needs of the masses.
He mentioned that Nigeria, home to the sixth-largest youth population globally, must harness the potential of its youth to avoid catastrophic outcomes.
Prof. Ogondo further cautioned against the neglect of youth, warning that history has shown societies that overlook their youth are doomed to face turmoil.
The academician strongly advocated for creating platforms that engage the youth and harness their potential, suggesting that Adamawa State could take inspiration from youth councils in countries like Liberia and Australia. 
He also stressed the importance of social media engagement, capacity building, mentorship, and inclusion in policy-making as strategies to foster youth participation in governance.
The dialogue also saw contributions from Prof. Umar Pateh, Pioneer President of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, who commended the functional governance in Adamawa State while urging the youth to study the factors behind Nigeria’s challenges and learn from other countries.
Pateh pointed out that the pressures faced by contemporary youth, such as an abundance of information and limited opportunities, require government intervention and strategic planning to ensure a prosperous future.
Prof. Pateh highlighted the dangers of misinformation in the digital era, stressing the need for critical thinking and responsible communication.
He urged the government to develop a strategic communication blueprint to avoid the pitfalls of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, which do not serve the public interest.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for educational resources that promote accurate information, warning that reliance on social media and cheap publications devalues knowledge and communication.
In his goodwill message, George Kushi, Principal Special Assistant to Governor Fintiri, lauded the Adamawa State Government for its commitment to peace and development.
Described the Fintiri administration as people-focused and expressed optimism about the state’s trajectory toward collective progress. Similarly, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Yayaji, praised Governor Fintiri for his grassroots engagement and commitment to dialogue as a tool for state development.
Responding to questions from the audience, Commissioner Iliya, representing Governor Fintiri, enumerate ongoing government initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of various demographic groups, including persons with disabilities, women, and youth.
He pointed to vocational training, ICT programs, and infrastructure development as examples of the government’s inclusive approach to governance.
In closing, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, expressed gratitude to the resource persons and all participants who contributed to the dialogue.
He emphasized the timeliness of the event and called on all sectors of society, not just the youth, to play their part in promoting peace.
Wonosikou also acknowledged the vital role of the media in fostering dialogue and creating a peaceful society.
The Dialogue for Peace stands as a significant milestone in the Adamawa State Government’s efforts to engage its youth, promote good governance, and ensure a future of peace and prosperity for all.
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