From Abel Zwanke, Lafia
Stakeholders in Nasarawa State on Friday renewed calls for stronger investment in youth empowerment, skills development, and innovation as the Nasarawa Youth Opportunity Summit 2026 brought together government officials, development experts, and young leaders across key sectors.
The event also took a political dimension as youth and student groups across the state endorsed Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu for the 2027 governorship race, unveiling a statewide mobilisation structure known as the Wadada Youth Support Committee to coordinate support across the 13 local government areas.
Senator Wadada was represented at the summit by Dr. Murtala Adogi Muhammed (Dan Masanin Adogi), who presented the WADADA HEARTS Agenda, describing it as a structured governance framework anchored on youth inclusion, competence, and measurable development outcomes.
In a formal endorsement process coordinated at the event, youth leaders under the leadership of Abubakar Idris Adamu, Executive Secretary of NASETFUND, alongside Comrade Shuaibu Sani, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Students’ Matters, issued a certificate of endorsement and officially inaugurated the support committee.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page titled “Youth and Student Community Endorse Wadada for Governor, 2027,” Dr. Adogi said the endorsement reflects a growing alignment between the aspirations of young people and the vision articulated in the WADADA HEARTS Agenda.
He noted that the agenda proposes the institutionalisation of a Nasarawa State Governance and Development Youth Fellowship designed to deploy high-performing youths across ministries and communities to strengthen governance delivery and accountability.
According to him, youth inclusion in governance must be structured rather than symbolic, adding that it would help build a pipeline of competent young leaders capable of driving reforms and delivering results.
He further linked youth engagement to security and stability, stressing that sustainable peace depends on inclusion, opportunity, and shared responsibility.
Meanwhile, speakers at the summit maintained a strong focus on skills development, innovation, and human capital investment as key drivers of economic growth in the state.
Representing the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Dr. Stephen Sasetu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, described youths as the state’s greatest asset and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowerment programmes.
The convener of the summit, Comrade Shuaibu Sani, said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, noting that many young people lack access to mentorship, networks, and structured platforms.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, Habiba Balarabe Suleiman, emphasised investment in education, health, and skills as essential for long-term prosperity.
On digital innovation, the Director-General of the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency, Hon. Sani Sani Haruna, urged youths to embrace ICT skills, noting ongoing efforts by the government to expand digital infrastructure for entrepreneurship and job creation.
Dr. Daniel Ewuga Asele of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute called for greater emphasis on technical and vocational education as a solution to unemployment and industrial workforce needs, particularly in the mining and agro-processing sectors.
SDGs advocate Rahmat Oseze also called for inclusive programming aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, stressing the need to reach rural communities with development opportunities.
The summit featured interactive sessions on mentorship, internships, and market access, with stakeholders calling for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and development partners.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities for their contributions to development in the state, including the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Elayo, who was honoured for her service and impact in environmental governance.
The Nasarawa Youth Opportunity Summit 2026 is expected to serve as a recurring platform for shaping youth-focused policies and partnerships aimed at unlocking opportunities for young people across the state.
