Jigawa Govt Promises Support for Health, Youth Devt
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The Jigawa state government has pledged to provide all necessary support to development partners working to promote positive health outcomes and youth development in the state.
The state commissioner of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr Sagir Musa, gave the assurance during the opening of Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement Summit (MAYE) and inauguration of the state youth champions and advisory committee.
Mr Sagir added that the administration under governor Umar Namadi was ready to give appropriate support to any national and international organisation promoting the socal and economical development of people of Jigawa state.
“I urge you to dedicate yourselves to championing positive health outcomes and developmental progress for youths and adolescents, and work tirelessly to promote their wellbeing and support growth.
“Use your voices to uplift others, your hands to build bridges, and your heart to inspire hope,” he added.
Speaking at the summit, Miss Stacy Louis, Youth Innovation Champion A360, said it was in aimed at fostering meaningful engagement between adolescents, youth, and adults.
The Summit brought together youth-led organizations, networks, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to establish a strong youth network, inaugurate youth champions, formulate a state based youth advisory committee and disseminate the A360s MAYE strategy and develop the MAYE alignment charter.
She said that the inaugurated Youth Champions comprised Start-up Jigawa, Turn-up Jigawa, National Association of Jigawa State Students (NAJISS), Association of Women and Youth Health Social Awareness, National Youth Council, A360 project beneficiaries, A360 young service providers.
Miss Stacy explained that the committee is to champion MAYE activities in their respective communities, advocating for youth involvement in decision making processes and promoting initiatives that benefit the health and development of all young people.
“The champions will strive to create a legacy of positive impact and lasting change through the Society for Family Health (SFH).
Ramatu Abdulkarim Iyimoga, the Lead, SFH- A380 Nigeria Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement, said said the youth advisory committee has representatives from the A360 Amplify project, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ministry of Information, Youth Sports and Culture, and the Special Advisor to the Jigawa State Governor on Innovation and Technology.
“Participants signed the MAYE integration charter, committing to the adoption and implementation of the MAYE strategy within their respective mandates, ensuring that young people’s ideas, perspectives and contributions are integral to programmes and policies that impact their lives and communities,” she said.
Hajia Maimuna Suleiman, the state Adolescent Health Desk Officer, explained that the process will enhance youth inclusion in decision making, policy alignment, programmes and projects implementation, and ensuring that their ideas, perspectives and insights are inculcated to improve health and developmental outcomes for young people.
