Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna state has reiterated his administration’s resolve to partner with youths in channelling their resources and energy to productive ventures.

Mr Sani said this at the inauguration of newly elected executive members of the Southern Kaduna Youth and Students Forum (SKYSFOM) in Kafanchan on Saturday.

Represented by the state commissioner for sports and youth development, Benjamin Gugong, the governor said the youths were an asset to any society, hence the need to harness their potentials to revamp the economy of the state.

According to him, the energy and innovativeness of youths are well placed to transform society.

 He, however, identified drug abuse as a major factor militating against the upward trajectory of the youth and urged them to desist from the unwholesome act.

Mr Ishaya Akawu, chairman, Southern Kaduna Elders Forum, urged the state government to review the tuition fees in its tertiary institutions, given the current harsh economic realities in the country.

He challenged the youth to rise to the responsibility of defending their land against falsehood and oppression.

On his part, Simon Reef, the guest speaker and columnist with the Leadership Newspapers, called on the state government to be fair and just in its dealings with the people of Southern Kaduna.

Mr Reef said the people of the zone were looking to create an environment where everyone, irrespective of their ethnic or religious affiliations, could realise their full potential.

Earlier, the President of SKYSFOM, Shedrack Danladi, noted the forum was not out to antagonise the state government but work with it to guarantee the desired growth and development of the zone and the state as a whole.

Mr Danladi pledged to always place the interest of Southern Kaduna youths above all other considerations in discharging his duties. 

(NAN)