KADUNA – Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher C. Musa (retd), has called on the country’s youth to reject any role as instruments of violence or division, urging them instead to become full partners in national progress.
Speaking on Monday, 9 May 2026, during the official inauguration of the Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative campaign office in Kaduna State, the Minister—represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Technical Services, General Bala Isandu—stressed that while the Federal Government has invested heavily in security, education, agriculture, and digital job creation, it cannot succeed alone.
“We will move from promise to action, from agitation to participation, from unemployment to productivity,” General Isandu said.
“You represent farmers, students, artisans, professionals, women’s groups, faith-based organisations, and community associations who have resolved to work with us. You are the engine room of this initiative. Together, we form one indivisible front for progress.”
The Defence Minister, speaking under the theme “Unity, Progress, Prosperity and Renewed Hope for a Greater Nigeria”, declared that the nation’s greatest asset is neither oil nor land, but its youth.
“Over 60% of Nigeria’s population is under 30. If we do not engage them, empower them, and give them direction, we have failed. Musawah exists to change the narrative. It is a social, political, and development-oriented movement.”
He further stressed that defeating ignorance and hopelessness is central to building lasting peace, warning that communities become vulnerable to crime and extremism where these conditions are allowed to thrive.
Governor Uba Sani: ‘Take them off the streets’
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, described the initiative as a significant boost to youth development.
“Engaging young people—especially those wandering the streets—remains a key priority of this administration. We are committed to expanding opportunities across Kaduna State,” he said.
Governor Sani welcomed skill acquisition programmes as a means to steer youth away from bad influences, adding: “This should not be a political project. It must be a continuous process. It is our collective project, and it should never be taken for granted.”
Musawah: ‘We are the most viable grassroots platform’
Earlier, the National Coordinator of Musawah, Ambassador Dr. Polycarp Danladi Gankon, expressed delight that the initiative had become a reality, announcing that a formidable grassroots structure is now in place.
“We have mobilised and sponsored a free NIN registration centre at Musawah headquarters, with a minimum of 50 registrations daily, fully funded by Musawah. We have also sponsored several radio programmes,” he said.
He outlined the movement’s reach: “With 250 groups, 115 local government officials, 2,295 ward officials, and 24,036 polling unit mobilisers under one banner, we are the most viable grassroots platform in Kaduna State. To our APC stakeholders and 2027 election candidates: investing in Musawah is investing in victory in 2027.”