Middle Belt Youths Seek Support To Build FCT Secretariat

The Middle Belt Youth Organisation (MBYO) has appealed for support to establish a national secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen youth engagement, promote unity and expand its activities across the country.

The appeal was made by the organisation’s national president, Mr Okama John, during its 25th anniversary celebration in Abuja.

Addressing guests at the event, John described the silver jubilee as a milestone that reflects the sacrifices, dedication, and commitment of the organisation’s founders and members over the past 25 years.

He said the organisation had implemented several programmes aimed at promoting cultural heritage, youth empowerment, peacebuilding and religious tolerance.

Among the initiatives highlighted were the Middle Belt Youth Cultural Festival and Exhibition, held in Jos in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Culture, Environment and Tourism, and interfaith dialogue programmes designed to foster harmony between Christians and Muslims.

According to him, the organisation’s activities have been guided by the belief that Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation, share common values and should not allow divisions to undermine national unity.

“We are one people, one nation, and nobody should divide us. Through our programmes, we have continued to encourage peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among young people,” he said.

John noted that despite the country’s challenges, particularly insecurity, the organisation remained committed to promoting peace, unity and national development.

He also commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its efforts to address national challenges and called for stronger measures to tackle insecurity and improve electricity supply.

The MBYO president urged political leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to support the organisation’s quest for a permanent national secretariat in Abuja.

“The Middle Belt Youth Organisation needs a formal national secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory. Such a facility will strengthen our operations, deepen youth engagement and enable us to pursue our long-term vision effectively,” he said.

Former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umar Faruk Abdullahi (rtd), who chaired the occasion, challenged young people to embrace integrity and ethical conduct.

He advised them to live by three guiding principles: “If something does not belong to you, do not take it; if something is not true, do not say it; and if something is wrong, do not do it.”

According to him, adherence to such values would contribute significantly to personal development and nation-building.

Delivering a lecture titled “The Middle Belt as Nigeria’s Connecting Rod: What Benefits in the Twenty-First Century?” Prof. Salamatu Mambula of the University of Abuja traced the historical evolution of the Middle Belt, describing the region as a major cultural, political and economic force in Nigeria.

She said the Middle Belt spans parts of the North-Central, North-East and North-West geopolitical zones and has historically played a strategic role in the country’s development.

Mambula noted that the region possesses vast agricultural and mineral resources capable of transforming Nigeria’s economy if properly harnessed.

She, however, expressed concern over persistent insecurity, citing violent attacks, killings and displacement across parts of the region.

According to her, insecurity remains one of the greatest obstacles to development in the Middle Belt. She called for stronger security measures, improved border management, greater support for victims of attacks and enhanced collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

The professor also urged Middle Belt groups to speak with one voice and work together to advance the region’s interests, stressing that unity among its diverse ethnic nationalities was critical to unlocking its economic and political potential.

Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Chief Obinna Nwaka commended the Middle Belt Youth Organisation for sustaining its activities over the last 25 years, describing the milestone as evidence of resilience, vision and commitment to youth development.

He said the Middle Belt remains strategically positioned to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth through its abundant agricultural potential, natural resources and human capital.

Nwaka urged young people in the region to take advantage of opportunities provided by the current administration, noting that several Middle Belt indigenes occupy strategic positions in government and can support development initiatives across the region.

He also cautioned against excessive rural-urban migration, encouraging youths to remain engaged in productive ventures within their communities and harness local resources for economic growth.

“The Middle Belt has enormous potential in agriculture and natural resources. Young people must look beyond the cities and contribute to the development of their communities. Government institutions are available to support genuine initiatives that will empower youths and promote sustainable development,” he said.

He further advised members of the organisation to pursue collective goals, engage relevant government agencies for support and maintain strong networks with former members to advance the region’s development aspirations.

In a goodwill message, Mrs Torkwase Kuraun, who represented the wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Mrs Regina Akume, called on youths, traditional rulers, and political leaders in the North-Central region to take stronger action against insecurity.

She described the North-Central as Nigeria’s food basket and expressed concern that persistent attacks on farming communities were preventing many farmers from accessing their farmlands.

Kuraun urged governments at all levels to deploy resources more effectively towards improving security, stressing that addressing insecurity was critical to boosting agricultural production and ensuring food security in the country.

The anniversary celebration featured the recognition of individuals who have contributed to the organisation’s growth and community development, alongside renewed calls for peace, youth empowerment, and national cohesion.