Gombe Youth: Stakeholders Call for Governance Inclusion

Empowering Youth for Inclusive Governance: A Call to Action in Gombe State

A significant call has been issued to the youth of Gombe State, urging them to embrace active participation in governance as a catalyst for profound and meaningful change. This imperative extends particularly to ensuring the robust inclusion of women and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in all facets of the decision-making process.

This crucial appeal was articulated during an intensive two-day workshop, meticulously organised by the Foundation for Community Empowerment Initiative (FOCEI). The initiative received vital support from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, underscoring a collaborative commitment to fostering a more representative and equitable society.

Dr. Benjamin Maina, the Team Lead for FOCEI, elaborated on the workshop’s core objectives. He stated that the initiative is strategically designed to champion inclusive governance by actively working towards adequate representation for women and PWDs within policy development frameworks. “Our fundamental aim is to ensure that every individual is an integral part of governance,” Dr. Maina affirmed. “True inclusive governance, at its heart, begins with empowered youth who are equipped and motivated to drive this change.”

Understanding Equality and Equity in Governance

A pivotal presentation, titled “Introduction to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion,” was delivered by Dr. Leah Iliya-Jalo, a distinguished lecturer from the Department of Linguistics at Gombe State University. Dr. Iliya-Jalo underscored the indispensable need for fairness and the provision of balanced opportunities across all segments of society.

“Youth represent the vanguard of progress and the architects of our future,” Dr. Iliya-Jalo explained. “The principle of fairness is paramount. While equality denotes treating everyone uniformly, equity acknowledges that different individuals may require tailored support to achieve similar outcomes, thereby ensuring genuine opportunity.”

She further emphasised that inherent potential for greatness resides within every individual, provided they are afforded the right avenues and opportunities to flourish. Dr. Iliya-Jalo stressed the urgent necessity for societal narratives to undergo a transformative shift, moving towards a more inclusive and accepting paradigm.

Identifying and Overcoming Barriers to Participation

Salis Abubakar, a key member of the Gombe State Commission for Persons With Disabilities, shed light on the significant obstacles that continue to impede the effective participation of women and PWDs in governance. He meticulously detailed a range of challenges that require concerted effort to dismantle.

Key barriers identified include:

• Deep-rooted cultural and social norms: These often create implicit biases and exclusionary practices that marginalise certain groups.
• Pervasive discrimination: Direct and indirect discrimination based on gender, disability, or other factors significantly limits access and opportunity.
• Harmful stereotypes: Preconceived notions and assumptions about the capabilities of women and PWDs can lead to their underestimation and exclusion from leadership roles.
• Poverty and economic constraints: Financial limitations and a lack of economic empowerment can prevent individuals from dedicating time and resources to civic engagement and political participation.

The Power of Policy and Youth Ownership

The critical role of robust policy frameworks in sustaining inclusion efforts was highlighted by Ibrahim Yusuf, the Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Societies and Team Lead of the Advocacy Centre for Development. Yusuf articulated a clear vision for the future, stating, “This policy will serve as our guiding compass, shaping our actions from this moment until 2030. By 2031, we anticipate reconvening to comprehensively assess the progress we have achieved.”

Yusuf passionately urged the youth of Gombe State to actively embrace ownership of governance processes. He underscored the non-negotiable principle that their voices must resonate loudly and be actively considered in all decision-making forums. “Our involvement as youth is not merely desirable; it is essential,” he declared. “Anything that concerns us, but is decided without our input, cannot truly be for our benefit.”

The workshop successfully convened a diverse array of stakeholders, fostering a dynamic environment for collaboration and strategic planning. Participants included representatives from civil society organisations, the academic community, various government institutions, and a broad spectrum of youth groups. Their collective deliberations were focused on devising actionable strategies to significantly strengthen inclusive governance within Gombe State, paving the way for a more equitable and representative future.