Youths from Northern and Southern part of the country on Saturday converged on Kaduna, where they signed a peace accord aimed at promoting national unity and forging a common front to enhance their relevance in the country’s political and economic development.
The meeting, held at the historic Arewa House, Kaduna, was organised by the National Youth Alliance (NYA) and brought together youth representatives from the South-East, South-South and South-West and North.
The gathering culminated in the signing of a peace accord christened “The Birthing of a New Nigeria,” with participants pledging to eschew ethnic and religious divisions and speak with one voice in the interest of national cohesion and democratic stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chairman of NYA (North), Abubakar Mohammed-General, lamented what he described as decades of manipulation of young people by political elites for selfish ends.
According to him, Nigerian youths have for too long been divided along ethnic and religious lines through misinformation and deliberate falsehoods, making them instruments of conflict rather than partners in development.
“For decades, politicians and elites have been using us to gain power and political relevance. They divided us along religious and ethnic lines. So much fake news and misinformation were dished out so that we would continue to see ourselves as sworn enemies,” Mohammad said.
He, however, noted that the tide was beginning to change, stressing that Nigerian youths were becoming increasingly aware of the need to unite beyond primordial sentiments.
“But enough of this. We are now wiser. Today, we want to tell them that enough is enough. The youths of this country will no longer continue to be used just for the interest of a small group,” he added.
General maintained that unity among youths across the country’s geopolitical zones would make them a formidable force that could no longer be ignored by political leaders.
“If the youths from all the zones unite to chart a common front, nobody will joke with us. Indeed, today’s meeting is a pointer that the youths have realised their mistakes and are ready to amend them for their common interest,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the southern delegates, the Vice Chairman of NYA (South), Hon. Meshack Onyeche, declared that Nigeria’s unity was non-negotiable, insisting that young people across the country had resolved to reject divisive narratives.
“Nigeria can never be divided. Nigeria is our country. Nobody can divide us,” Onyeche said.
He noted that youths had borne the brunt of political instability, economic hardship and social dislocation, often being exploited to advance narrow political and economic interests.
“The youths have suffered a lot. We are only being used to achieve political or economic interests. We said no. All the youths from the zones have now agreed to form an alliance and unite in order to forge a common front,” he stated.
Describing the Kaduna meeting as historic, Onyeche said it would be remembered as a turning point in youth mobilisation for national unity.
“This is a strategic meeting that history will record – that we held a meeting at the famous Arewa House,” he added.
Earlier, the Convener of the National Youth Alliance, Ambassador Aliyu bin Abbas, recounted the evolution of the group, noting that it initially sought registration as a political party but was denied by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under its then leadership.
“Instead of being defeated, we continued our programmes and eventually metamorphosed into a movement,” Abbas said.
The highlight of the meeting was the formal signing of the peace accord by representatives of the Northern and Southern youth groups, symbolising their collective resolve to promote peace, unity and constructive engagement in national affairs.ENDS.
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