By Nick Dugba.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN), has identified with the rescue team of Gov. Darius Dickson Ishaku and urged the youth to support the mission to enable it to accomplish its mission.
The President of the Council, Murtala Mohammed, made this declaration Tuesday when he paid a thank you visit to Taraba State for the support he received all the way to the exalted position.
Mohammed, who hails from Taraba, stressed that the days of “ethnic and religious entrepreneurs” were over and urged the youth to take their destinies in their hands, noting that government could only support the youth but not solve their problems.
He added that Taraba as a multi-ethnic state was a blessing and not a curse and should be a source of development.
He berated religious clerics who have become politicians and used the youths to their advantage, saying God was not interested in one’s religion but humanity.
While answering questions from reporters, Mohammed, traced the little participation of the female gender in youth activities to a culture which is restrictive.
He also disclosed that part of the agenda of the council was to sensitise the youth on the need to shun drug abuse.
In his remarks, the National Secretary of the Council, appealed to President Buhari, to “as a matter of urgency” assent to the bill establishing the Peace Corps of Nigeria. He said as a youth-friendly president; he was sure the president would assent to the Law as soon as he arrives the country from his sick leave.
While receiving the president in his office, the Chairman, NYCN, Taraba state, Udi Adamu, urged the president to give the state council maximum support, advice and encouragement to make it strong.
The highlight of the event was prayers for the health of President Buhari as well as the success of Governor Ishaku. Also, a gold medal and plaque were presented to the president by the National Association of Jukun Students and North East Youth Initiative Forum respectively.
Meanwhile, the State Commandant of the Peace Corp of Nigeria, Manti D. Manti, used the opportunity to encourage Taraba youths to enrol into the organisation, saying the quota for the state was yet to be filled.
The commandant who was accompanied to the event by members of the Corps warned that should the quota remain vacant, other States might take the place of Taraba.
In another development, while the NYCN procession was leaving the Jolly Nyame stadium, venue of the event, a trailer on transit trying to beat the convoy, allegedly hit a commercial motorcycle conveying some youths.
The driver attempted to escape and as a result drew the ire of the youths and Peace Corps members who made efforts to stop him.
This led to a gridlock, and the driver managed to dangerously manoeuvre his way out.
He was later pursued by the convoy including the NYCN president up to the southern end of the city gate where the driver submitted himself to the soldiers at the checkpoint.
Reports say the truck was held by the soldiers and the driver handed over to law enforcement agents.