By Faith Eze
The Gombe State Youth Parliament has officially commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the State Executive Council for approving the new Strategic Youth Policy. This major milestone decision comes at a crucial time when young people make up more than 60 percent of the population in Gombe State. For many years, community leaders and youth advocates have called for a clear, unified framework to address the continuous challenges faced by the younger generation. The newly approved policy represents a transition from fragmented empowerment programs to a structured, long-term commitment by the state government. By establishing this comprehensive guideline, Gombe State aims to protect the rights of its young citizens, widen access to essential healthcare, upgrade vocational training, and encourage active participation in the state's expanding economy. This policy serves as a strong foundation for sustainable human capital development across all eleven local government areas in the state.
The announcement of the strategic document coincided with the launch of the 2026 Youth Week, organized directly by the Gombe State Youth Parliament under the theme "Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future". To mark the beginning of the week, youth delegates participated in a peaceful rally that moved from the historic Emir’s Palace all the way to the Government House in Gombe. Following the rally, the Youth Parliament convened its fourth sitting of the third session inside the chambers of the Gombe State House of Assembly. Speaking during the parliamentary session, the Speaker of the Youth Parliament, Danladi Aliyu, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Yahaya for prioritizing the welfare of young people. Speaker Aliyu emphasized that the policy will serve as a direct channel to align youth aspirations with the state’s broader development goals, providing young citizens with genuine opportunities to reach their full potential in life.
A central focus of the Strategic Youth Policy is the overall health and wellbeing of young people, recognizing that a healthy population is essential for economic growth. During the parliamentary deliberations, lawmakers highlighted the urgent need to expand healthcare access, improve mental health resources, and promote healthy, productive lifestyles among the youth. The Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Al-amin Bako, noted that physical and mental health are necessary prerequisites for success in school, business, and public service. He explained that the resuscitation of youth-focused government structures has created new avenues for collaborative action between young citizens and state officials. As part of the 2026 Youth Week activities, the government and Youth Parliament organized free medical outreach programs and health awareness campaigns, demonstrating a practical commitment to protecting the health and welfare of young people throughout the state.
In addition to health initiatives, the policy places strong emphasis on digital literacy, modern technology, and responsible online communication. Recognizing that digital skills are crucial in today's global economy, Governor Yahaya's administration recently completed digital economy training for over 2,000 young individuals. Furthermore, members of the Youth Parliament deliberated on the rising issue of cyberbullying and the misuse of social media platforms among young people. To build a safe digital environment, the parliament proposed introducing a digital citizenship and literacy program. This program will equip young residents with the knowledge required to use digital platforms productively for career development, online business, and research, while discouraging online harassment and dangerous digital behavior. Embracing technology allows Gombe's youth to tap into global remote work opportunities without having to leave their local communities.
Economic empowerment and job creation form another core pillar of the newly approved policy framework. Given the persistent challenges of unemployment across the country, Governor Yahaya urged young people to focus on entrepreneurship, vocational skills, agriculture, and innovation rather than relying solely on traditional civil service jobs. The policy outlines mechanisms for skills acquisition, business incubation, and improved access to financial credit for youth-led enterprises. By equipping young men and women with practical training in modern agricultural methods, trade, and technology, the government aims to turn them into active wealth creators and job providers. The Youth Parliament praised these provisions, noting that structured support for small business owners will boost local markets, improve household incomes, and reduce poverty levels throughout Gombe State.
Inclusivity and active civic participation are vital components designed to ensure that every young person's voice is heard in governance. The Gombe State Youth Parliament serves as a crucial intermediary body, bridging the gap between young citizens and government decision-makers. During the parliamentary session, guest speakers and parliamentarians stressed the importance of unity, peace, and mutual cooperation among youth groups across different districts. Delegates noted that when young people unite, they are better positioned to advocate for beneficial policies and contribute positively to community development. The Strategic Youth Policy explicitly guarantees that young leaders, including young women and students, will have a seat at the table when important decisions regarding economic planning, social welfare, and public safety are being made.
The policy was crafted through extensive consultations involving government agencies, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and international development partners. According to the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Micah Hamman, the policy is fully integrated into Gombe State’s 10-Year Development Plan, known as DEVAGOM. DEVAGOM aims to transform the state through sustainable infrastructure, human capital development, environmental protection, and economic growth. By tying the youth policy directly to this long-term state plan, the government ensures that youth programs receive consistent funding, administrative focus, and regular evaluation over the coming years. This structured strategy prevents youth empowerment from being treated as an afterthought, creating a reliable path toward long-term state stability and prosperity.
In conclusion, the approval of the Strategic Youth Policy marks a transformative moment for the young population of Gombe State. By combining healthcare access, digital training, entrepreneurship support, and civic participation into one strategic vision, the Gombe State Government has demonstrated a strong commitment to its future leaders. The positive reaction from the Youth Parliament and local community members highlights the widespread support for this holistic approach. As the activities of the 2026 Youth Week unfold, the emphasis will remain on executing these policies effectively so that every young person in Gombe can gain the tools, skills, and health necessary to thrive. Through continuous cooperation between government leaders, community stakeholders, and the youth, Gombe State is setting a strong standard for youth development in Nigeria.
