Youth O’Clock Holds Dialogue for Peaceful Coexistence in Gombe
From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Youth O’Clock Advancement Association, Gombe State chapter, has organised a one-day peace dialogue aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence among the citizens of Gombe State.
The event, held in Gombe, brought together officials from the Federal, State, and Local Governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Civil Society Organisations, women’s groups, and members of the media. It was themed: “Building Bridges, Promoting Peace, Fostering Harmony in Gombe State.”
Speaking at the event, the Gombe State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd.), reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring peace and the security of lives and property.
He noted that the government has been implementing strategies to enhance security and called on residents to support these efforts for the continued development and good governance in the state.
In his remarks, Engr. Seth Francis, the National Convener and Coordinator of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, highlighted the importance of fostering understanding and tolerance among citizens. He urged all stakeholders to work together to sustain peace in the state.
“For society to thrive in peace, there must be mutual understanding and religious tolerance,” Francis said. “This dialogue is an avenue for stakeholders to come together, discuss, and find common ground for solutions to our challenges.
We aim to ensure that the outcomes of this dialogue will further strengthen peace in Gombe State.”
Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, the Gombe State Coordinator of Youth O’Clock, reiterated that the initiative was designed to engage young people with traditional rulers, religious leaders, security chiefs, and the media in constructive discussions.
Sani Labaran, stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in promoting peace and development in the state.
“We are here to discuss ways to enhance peaceful coexistence, which is a prerequisite for progress. Peace is everyone’s responsibility, and this platform brings all stakeholders together to contribute to that cause,” Labaran said.
He also assured participants that the association would continue to engage youths in peace-building efforts, governance, and decision-making processes to ensure a brighter future for Nigerians.
He therefore appreciated the participants for their contributions and their participation in the Iftar held during the event, expressing confidence that the dialogue’s outcomes would encourage all stakeholders to work towards maintaining Gombe as a beacon of peace.
The Gombe State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Adaline Patari, commended Youth O’Clock for organising the dialogue, describing it as a commendable initiative that supports the government’s peace-building efforts.
She urged youths to actively contribute to the development of a peaceful and prosperous society.
Patari stated, “This dialogue is a significant step towards creating a future where peace and harmony thrive. I encourage all youths to align with government efforts at all levels to build a better tomorrow for everyone.”
