The Gombe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, and  Foundation for Community Empowerment Initiative, with suppport from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, on Tuesday commenced a two-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting for the domestication of the state’s youth policy.

Declaring the meeting open, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth inclusion, describing the policy as the first of its kind in the state’s history.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Gombe State, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, urged participants to give their best as the policy development process reaches a critical stage.

Governor Yahaya said, “This meeting marks a significant milestone in empowering the youths of Gombe State as active participants in governance and development. Their energy and innovation remain the bedrock of any economy.

“The domestication of the Gombe Youth Policy is a forward step toward addressing our challenges and realising our opportunities.

“It will respond to the yearnings and aspirations of our teeming youths in entrepreneurship and civic participation. This is the first time we are doing this since the creation of the state.”

He commended UNFPA for its unwavering support in advancing youth development and gender equality in the state, and also acknowledged FOCEI for its advocacy and technical expertise in formulating the policy.

“This engagement is not just about developing another policy for the state but about creating a collective roadmap that ensures every young person gets the opportunity to realise his or her potential,” he added.

Yahaya disclosed that his administration has consistently included young people in governance, saying, “As a government, we are committed to the outcome of this engagement. In Gombe State, several key positions are held by young people. I therefore urge all participants to actively contribute towards ensuring the success of this domestication process.”

Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Alkali, said the policy will serve as a roadmap for addressing the needs, yearnings, and aspirations of Gombe youths in line with the state’s current realities.

He appreciated Governor Yahaya for his political will and for providing the enabling environment for the process to take off.

“I also wish to thank UNFPA and FOCEI for providing the financial and technical support that will ensure Gombe State aligns with a youth policy that truly addresses the needs of our young people,” Alkali said.

Continuing the Commissioner added, “To the participants, I urge you to freely provide inputs that will help produce a quality document which both the government and development partners can rely on.”

Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Inuwa Adamu, described the initiative as a great milestone that will guarantee youth inclusion in the state’s development framework.

“This is a bold step toward ensuring that our youths are not left behind. We are committed to fostering an environment where young people are seen as critical stakeholders in building a prosperous Gombe State,” he stated.

FOCEI Team Lead, Benjamin Maina, described the engagement as a “new dawn for youth participation in Gombe State,” adding that it represents a milestone for youth inclusion in governance.

“For over two years, FOCEI, in collaboration with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund and LEAP Africa, has been working tirelessly to empower young people through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. These efforts have brought government, civil society, and youth leaders together toward one goal — ensuring that Gombe State has a functional youth policy that reflects the priorities of its young citizens,” Maina said.

He appreciated the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for leading the process and commended Governor Yahaya for his visionary leadership in promoting youth development.

“This engagement is expected to foster inclusive development and strengthen youth participation across Gombe State,” he added.

Also speaking, the consultant on the project, Bachama Yusuf, emphasised that implementation will be key to the success of the policy, noting that similar youth-centered initiatives in the past have struggled at the implementation stage.

He said, “By the time Gombe begins implementing its youth policy, it will lead other states in the federation. I urge all partners not to stop at drafting but to continue supporting the process of implementation.”

Yusuf added that the meeting would focus on reflecting on the policy premise, identifying issues and policy options, and aligning the youth policy with the state’s Development Agenda for Gombe (DEVAGOM).