From Janet John, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi A Sule of Nasarawa state, on Saturday, said that the federal government has approved the establishment of Institute of Agricultural Development in Nasarawa state.
Engr Sule disclosed this during a one-day Youth Summit themed: Building Bridges of Unity and Peace Amongst Ethnic Nationalities: The Youth Perspective, held at Ta’a Conference Hotel in Lafia, the state capital.
Prompt News reports that the summit which was organized by the forum of Nasarawa state ethnic nationalities, had in attendance different ethnic groups in the state such as; Migili, Gwandara, Rindre, Eggon, Hausa/Fulani, Gbagyi, Mada, Bassa among others.
According to the governor, aside graduating experts in the agricultural sector, the institution will serve as an avenue for skill acquisition trainings on electrical installation, motor mechanic, carpentry, agricultural mechanization, ICT among others.
Gov Sule, while noting the diverse ethnic groups in the state, commended the organizers of the summit for the initiative as he called for sustenance.
He assured them of his readiness to partner with them for the development of the state.
Professor Shehu Abdul-rahman, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lafia, whom was also the guest speaker, in a paper he presented at the summit, stressed the role of youths in political development, peace building, human capital development among others.
“Youths are the foundation of a society. Thier energies, inventiveness, character and orientation define the peace of development and security of a nation.
“Through thier creative talent, and labour, a nation makes giant strides in economic development and socio-political attainments,” he reiterated.
The VC stressed the need to create enabling environment for Youths in politics as he charged them to parade themselves as agents of political socialization.
Erlier, Mr John K Umaru, the coordinating president of the forum said the summit which is first of its kind in the state, was aimed at bringing Youths of diverse cultures and interest to learn and contribute to nation building.
According to him, the group has outlined programmes such as guidance counselling services, as well as skills acquisition programme for youth inmates in correctional centres, inter-tribe football competitions, cultural festivals, peace campaign rally to further the unity and peace building process in the 13 local government areas of the state.
Mr Umaru whom is also the President, Mada Development Association (MDA) Youth-wing, charged the youths to channel their energy and resources towards promotion of unity in diversity for ethnic cohesion and a better society.
