Harnessing the potential of Kano’s Youth: A way forward for Addressing Restiveness and Hooliganism

Introduction

Kano State a melting pot of culture and commerce in Northern Nigeria is grappling with the challenges of youth restiveness and Hooliganism. This Phenomenon threatens to undermine the states stability, economic growth, and social cohesion. To address this issue, it is imperative to adopt a holistic approach that engages, empowers, and harnesses the potential of Kano’s youth.

CAUSES OF YOUTH RESTIVENESS AND HOOLIGANISM
1. Unemployment and economic marginilization
2. Lack of education and skills training
3. Social and cultural disorientation
4. Poor governance and leadership
5. Lack of parental care
6. Inadequate recreational facilities and social infrastructure
7. Drug abuse

To address this issue the State requires a multifaceted approach that engages, empowers.,and harnesses the potential of youth. And, here is comprehensive way to address the issue.

Short-term (0-12 months)
1.Establishing a Youth Empowerment Agency to coordinate youth development programs

2.Conduct a youth needs assessment to identify priorities
3. A vocational training programs should be lunch in high-demand skills
4. The govt should create youth mentorship skills with positive role models
5. The govt should find an avenue to be organizing community outreach programs to engage youth
Medium-trerm (1-3 years)
1. The govt. should develop a comprehensive youth policy
2. The govt. should established youth dev. Fund to support entrepreneurship and innovation.
3. The State should build a recreation facilities and ICT hubs
4. Implementation of community policing strategy to build trust among communities and the govt.
5. The govt should lunch a youth-led peace building initiatives

Long-term(3-5 years)
1.Development of comprehensive education reform not fanfare
2.Youth Corps should be established to promote community service
3.The govt must create a youth-focused economic dev. Plan.
4. Building of partnership with private sector and NGOs to support youth development
5. The govt should established a youth research and dev. Institute
With all these, there are key Stakeholders that must be involved, they are:

1. The State government
2. Private sector and NGOs
3. Community Leaders and Traditional rulers
4. Youth organizations and associations
5. Religious leaders and other organizations
I believed by this comprehensive way forward forward, the state can easily address the root causes of youth restiveness and hooliganism, and empower its youth to become positive agents of change and development.

Abdul-aziz Ibrahim, PhD
Associate Professor Of Community Development
Maryam Abacha American University of Niger Republic