A former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, (retd) has called on the federal government to formulate policies that can pave room for more entrepreneurship opportunities capable of creating sources of livelihood to eradicate poverty among Nigerian youth .
Buratai stated this Wednesday when he delivered the 18th Distinguished Public Lecture series of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) held at the Felele campus of the institution in Lokoja, Kogi state.
Speaking on the topic “Youth, Governance, and Countering Violent Extremism: Rethinking Nigeria’s Security Strategy” Buratai stated that 75 per cent of the terrorists and bandits are youth , noting that the high poverty level among the youth of this country made them susceptible for terrorist recruitment.
“If we do not reach out to our young people, we leave them to be recruited by criminal gangs or extremist organizations or foreign powers.
“But once we empower them , then they will not only be defenders of Nigeria and safeguards of her peace, they will be the ones to set its future.Every institution will have to be redesigned with the next generation in mind.
“This is not the philosophy of idealism. It is the peasant pragmatism. Youth centred approaches have been proven both successful and imperative to building post-conflict stability and resilience in such countries as Tunisia, Kenya, Colombia, and Rwanda. Nigeria needs to learn, adjust and take the lead,” he said.
In his speech the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, described the 18th lecture series as one of the most important intellectual traditions of our University that provides a unique platform for thought provoking engagements on national and global issues.
According to him, the theme of lecture: “Youth, Governance, and Countering Violent Extremism: Rethinking Nigeria’s Security Strategy” could not have come at a better time, stressing that the topic speaks directly to one of the greatest threats confronting the nation today and the growing wave of violent extremism, particularly among Nigerian youth population.
“This menace continues to undermine our national unity, tear apart communities, and obstruct our developmental aspirations.
“As a university committed to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also socially responsible, we are eager to engage with this critical discourse.
“Our country is in dire need of strategies that are innovative, inclusive, and sustainable, and we are confident that the lecture today will provide a fresh perspective that will inform policy, inspire action, and provoke meaningful conversations,” the VC stated.