The Foundation for Empowerment Initiative, in collaboration with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund with support from LEAP Africa, has called on the Gombe State Government to prioritise the domestication and full implementation of the state youth policy.

Speaking on Monday during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Alkali, Team Lead of FOCEI, Benjamin Maina, said the initiative is geared towards empowering young people to play an active role in governance and development.

According to him, the project titled “Empowering Youth to Drive Youth Policy Implementation for Inclusive Governance in Gombe State” seeks to strengthen youth voices and foster inclusivity.

“Our appeal to the Honorable Commissioner is clear: champion the domestication of the Gombe State Youth Policy, integrate youth priorities into the state’s development and budgetary frameworks, and ensure adequate funding for youth-focused programs,” Maina said.

He explained that the 12-month project would also promote the inclusion of women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised youth in governance processes, while building sustainable partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector.

Maina stressed that the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning holds a strategic role in shaping policy and development priorities.

“With the Commissioner’s support, we can make youth inclusion a permanent feature of Gombe State’s governance and development agenda,” he added.

He further urged the ministry to partner with FOCEI and NYFF in ongoing stakeholder engagements and policy dialogues.

“By working together, we can ensure that the youth of Gombe State are not only beneficiaries but also active drivers of governance and development,” he said.

Commissioner Alkali, who was represented by Haruna Danburam, Director of Planning, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, assured of the needed partnership.

He said, “We are clear about the vision and mission of FOCEI. I want to assure you that you are not alone in the domestication of the youth policy in the state. Your voice and ours are necessary for the actualisation of this policy.”

Aliyu Danladi, Speaker of the Gombe Youth Parliament, noted that since assumption of office he has been working assiduously to explore ways that will project the voices of youths.

He said, “As Gombe State Youth Parliament, ever since we came on board on August 21, 2025, we have been seeking ways to partner with government and non-governmental organisations to empower young people in the state. For the policy which seeks to empower young people aligns with our own agenda; we are focusing on inclusion, sensitisation, and protection of rights, including those of persons with disabilities, women, and children.”

While lauding the ministry, Danladi added, “From the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioner and ministry officials, we are grateful for your support. The Commissioner has always been a supporter of youths. While I was aspiring for Students’ Union President, he supported my candidacy.”

On his part, State Coordinator of Youth O’Clock, Sani Labaran, described the advocacy meeting as timely.
“It’s not only timely, it’s commendable if only we can approach this collectively. Anything for us without us, is not for us,” he said.

Speaking further, Labaran added, “I want to beg the ministry, if this is the only thing they will do for the young people, it will be appreciated as it will guide your children and the unborn children. I hope we can work as a team to ensure the success of this policy.”

PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the group had held a closed-door meeting with the Permanent Secretary, Jalo Ali, at his office, in attendance was chairman, Gombe Network of Civil Society Ibrahim Yusuf, among other stakeholders.