Bridge Connect Africa launches North-West youth development agenda
The Bridge Connect Africa Initiative has launched a regional framework to advance youth development across North-West Nigeria.
The agenda was unveiled on Saturday in Kaduna at the North-West Youth Summit 2026.
The summit was organised by the NGO with support from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund and Youth Leading Change Programme (YLCP).
The Newsmen report that the framework seeks to strengthen policy coordination.
It also aims to improve adoption and accountability across the seven North-West states.
Speaking at the summit, Executive Director of Bridge Connect Africa Initiative, Mr Sani Muhammad, said the agenda reflected wide consultations.
He said the document emerged from youth policy dialogues and stakeholders’ engagements across the region.
Muhammad said the agenda outlined priorities, implementation pathways and stronger collaboration among key institutions.
He described the summit as the conclusion of a year-long programme on youth leadership and governance participation.
According to him, the YLCP equipped 35 fellows with skills in civic engagement and policy advocacy.
The executive director added that 21 youth-led organisations were strengthened through the North-West Youth Development Consortium.
He said the consortium promotes collaboration, shared learning and collective action on youth development priorities.
Muhammad noted that policy workshops helped stakeholders identify implementation gaps and practical solutions.
He said the summit secured commitments and support for advancing youth development across the region.
In a keynote address, the Managing Director of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), Prof. Shehu Ma’aji, commended the initiative.
Ma’aji said young people in the region had shown resilience, innovation and leadership.
He described the agenda as a milestone for coordinated and accountable youth development.
According to him, the framework reflects the aspirations and priorities of communities across the seven states.
The NWDC chief stressed that sustainable development required coordination, accountability and investment in young people.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to expanding opportunities and strengthening human capital development.
Ma’aji urged stakeholders to translate summit resolutions into concrete actions and measurable outcomes.
Participants called for sustained government-youth collaboration to drive reforms and inclusive development.
They also urged effective implementation of commitments contained in the regional youth policy agenda.
Newsmen report that the summit attracted government representatives, development partners and civil society organisations.
Youth leaders and community stakeholders from across the North-West also attended the event.