The National Orientation Agency has launched a nationwide campaign in Gombe State aimed at addressing youth restiveness and strengthening national cohesion, unity, and development.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the campaign, themed “Pathway to National Cohesion, Development, and Unity,” was flagged off on Monday with a keynote address delivered by the Gombe State Director of NOA, Adaline Waye.
Waye described the initiative as a crucial step in tackling some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, including youth restiveness, violent extremism, kidnapping, drug abuse, and other anti-social vices threatening national stability.
“This campaign is a clarion call for Nigerians to come together and chart a course toward a more united and prosperous nation,” she said, while urging stakeholders to collaborate in empowering youths and building peace.
Highlighting the critical role young people play in national development, Waye noted that Nigeria’s youth constitute over 70 percent of the population and must be meaningfully engaged if the country is to move forward. She warned that when youths are left unemployed, disillusioned, or marginalised, it often results in social unrest, crime, and the erosion of moral values.
“In Gombe, as in many parts of Nigeria, youth restiveness has been driven by poverty, lack of quality education, unemployment, and exclusion from decision-making processes.
“We must address this challenge with urgency, empathy, and a collective resolve,” Waye added.
She commended the Gombe State Government for efforts aimed at addressing these issues, such as the establishment of the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps, the temporary restriction on commercial motorcycle operations at night, and the donation of operational vehicles to security agencies.
She also praised the government’s initiatives in creating a business-friendly environment and facilitating youth economic empowerment.
At the federal level, Waye listed several programs launched to support youth development and inclusion. These include the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT), Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (RHAMP), the N-Power scheme, the Student Loan Scheme (NELFUND), and various entrepreneurship and skills acquisition initiatives such as SAED and the YES Program.
She called on young people across the state to seize the opportunities provided by these programs and use them to become self-reliant, agents of change, and promoters of peace.
Waye further outlined the pillars upon which the NOA’s campaign is anchored: value reorientation, youth engagement and dialogue, skill development and empowerment, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and sustained public awareness campaigns.
“We must instill in our youth a sense of patriotism, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law. We must listen to them, involve them in solutions, and provide platforms for their voices to be heard,” she added.
The agency, she said, will continue to work closely with traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, and security agencies to foster peaceful coexistence and rein in youth violence.
In her closing remarks, Waye issued a rallying call to parents, educators, community leaders, and all citizens of Gombe State to support this collective effort.
“To our youth, I say this: you are the future of this great nation. Embrace hard work, reject violence and drug abuse, and use your energy to build a better Gombe and a greater Nigeria,” she urged.
She concluded by emphasizing that national cohesion and unity are the bedrock of sustainable development, urging citizens to actively participate in the campaign and other upcoming activities.
“Together, we can overcome youth restiveness and build a society where every individual—regardless of age or background—can thrive,” Waye affirmed.
Secretary to Government of Gombe State Professor Ibrahim Njodi, who was represented by Special Duty and Regional Integration, Shehu Abdullahi lauded NOA saying “NOA is working and I’m impressed with the level of work done to ensure national cohesion, development and unity.”
While calling for made in Gombe goods to promote industrialisation added, “Gombe first bill is set to ensure that the state is prioritised in jobs, business to boost the state’s economy.”
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Lt Col. Abdullahi Bello, disclosed that the state is relatively peaceful.
He said, “In no distant time we will achieve a safer Gombe. The governor is leaving no stone unturned. We appreciate you for understanding and contributing to the security of the state.”
While emphasising the three measures that have helped to maintain security Bello added, “One; the political will of his excellency the Governor of Gombe State, the second one is the residents want peace, no one protested about the bike restriction, it will be reviewed once the security improves, the third thing is the cooperation of security agencies.”
