Bwari youths call for mentorship and grassroots development programmes

Youths in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on government agencies, NGOs, and civil society groups to implement mentorship initiatives in sports, arts, and vocational skills to drive sustainable development and reduce unemployment in rural communities.

Speaking during a youth dialogue session, Miss Esther Yakubu, an entrepreneur, stressed the urgent need for more targeted support from relevant stakeholders to help young people harness their talents and gain access to life-changing opportunities.

“There’s a huge need to improve education and training, especially for teenagers and young adults in rural areas,” Yakubu said. “Stakeholders can provide scholarships, mentorships, and career guidance, while also supporting community-based programmes like art exhibitions and sports tournaments to foster development and discourage social vices.”

She emphasised the role of cultural and recreational activities in promoting youth empowerment, community cohesion, and positive engagement.

Also speaking, Mr. Amos Sheyilo advocated for a multifaceted approach to youth development, which addresses the social, economic, and infrastructural challenges in underserved communities.

“We need more youth centres, and existing ones should be upgraded to serve as safe spaces for learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” Sheyilo said.

He called for stronger partnerships with institutions such as the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), NGOs, and the private sector to expand grassroots empowerment efforts.

Sheyilo also highlighted the need for more vocational training, ICT classes, library access, career counseling, and sports development programmes. He expressed concern over the declining interest in agriculture among rural youths, urging them to stay motivated and reject the lure of illicit activities.

Meanwhile, Mr. John Awoyi, President of the Bwari Youths Forum, said the group has been working with various partners since 2024 to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable youths and discourage engagement in crime through skill-building programmes.

“We’ve organised workshops that have reached over 500 youths with skills and empowerment opportunities,” Awoyi stated. “Although we’re still operating on a small scale due to funding constraints, the impact has been promising.”

Awoyi added that the forum has launched a campaign to combat crime in the area including internet fraud, cultism, and kidnapping while continuing to expand programmes aimed at youth re-orientation and self-reliance.