By Godwin Tyonongu
Youths in Gadabuke Development Area of the neighboring Nasarawa state have expressed concerns over what they described as “lack of a government health facility in their community”.
Speaking to newsmen at its end of the year ceremony, chairman of the youths, Mr. Ibrahim Azakari Ayuba, expressed shock that for a long period, the area which had contributed immensely and meaningfully to the socio- economic growth of the state, would be so neglected by successive administrations in such a sensitive social need as hospital.
Ayuba, who is also the coordinator, Widows Generosity Movement (WGM), frowned at a situation women, especially the less privilege always travel far distances to other local government areas before accessing health facility.
“It is disheartening to see that in this community, there is no single government owned health institution, you see our women suffering during child labour, even they have to travel far distance for ante-natal check-up, it is a pathetic situation that those in position of authority should look into.
“Apart from the issue of health facilities, the youths of the area are not carried along in the scheme of things, despite the fact that they have been cooperating in promoting government policies as well as being law abiding.
“The youths should not be ignored or neglected by any government, knowing full well that they are the future leaders and remain the back bone of any society”, he noted.
He advised youths in the community to organise themselves into useful ventures, especially, the ones that can empower them economically, warning them on the risk in waiting for government to provide jobs for them, particularly at a time the government itself is battling with harsh economic realities.
On the part of widows in the community, the youth activist implored them to form co-operative societies to enable them access soft loans from micro finance banks and other poverty eradication agencies for their self sustenance, rather than depending on philanthropist all the times.