The Federal Capital Territory Youth Network, FCT-YN, has restructured its advisory structure, with a new council inaugurated to improve coordination and representation among youth organisations across the Territory.
The move followed the first executive meeting of the newly elected leadership of the FCT-YN, held at the office of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation, AOIYEO, in Abuja, where the former Youth Stakeholders Council Advisory Board was dissolved.
Comrade Abubakar Sadiq was appointed Acting Chairman of the FCT Youth Stakeholders Council, while Comrade Yahuza Abubakar was named Secretary.
The new council is expected to provide an advisory and coordinating platform for youth organisations and associations across the FCT, including groups operating within the 17 chiefdoms, 858 indigenous communities and residents’ associations.
It is also expected to bridge communication gaps between youth groups, community leaders, elders and other stakeholders, particularly on issues affecting young people and their participation in governance.
Speaking after the meeting, Executive Director of AOIYEO, Commandant Isaac David, said the restructuring was intended to create a more effective and representative platform for young people in the territory.
David said the new advisory body would comprise persons aged between 40 and 50, who would help bridge the gap between younger people and elders in the FCT.
“This decision is to bring together youths from age 40 to 50 years to serve as an advisory body to the FCT Youth Network and other indigenous youth organisations to bridge the gap between the youths and elders of the FCT.
“These people will serve as a board of trustees of the FCT Youth Network, to harmonise all the indigenous youth groups and the residents, assist them in policy-making and, where there are grievances, unite them.
“They are to checkmate the activities of the Youth Network and other groups in the FCT. Other directors across the six area councils would be announced soon,” he said.
The council is also expected to work with indigenous youth organisations, community leaders and residents’ associations to promote collaboration and dialogue across the Territory.
FCT Youth leader, Destiny Yamawo, said the decision was taken to strengthen unity and improve the network’s ability to serve young people.
“This is about unity and service. We are committed to building bridges, not barriers, and ensuring that the voices of FCT youths are heard and represented at every level of decision-making,” he said.
Yamawo reaffirmed the commitment of the new leadership to youth empowerment, peacebuilding and sustainable development across the six area councils of the FCT.
