Katsina youths in Funtua have inaugurated a progressive forum named ‘Wazobia’ to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and community development among diverse ethnic groups.

Speaking at the inauguration in Funtua on Tuesday, the forum chairman, Ibrahim Mamman, said the group was established to provide an inclusive platform where youths could interact and work together to achieve a common goal.

Mr Mamman restated that the forum would ensure equal participation for all, without discrimination based on ethnicity, culture, or religion, while building bridges of peace and understanding.

“The nation grows stronger when its youths set aside differences and work together in unity for peace and collective national progress.

“Wazobia is not just another youth association but a deliberate platform created to promote peace and understanding across ethnic and cultural lines.

“The platform will enable young Nigerians to collectively address challenges confronting their communities and contribute to national development,” he said.

The forum secretary, Mubarak Aminu, described the initiative as a call for peace, unity, and community development among Nigerians, regardless of ethnic background.

“One of our major objectives is to bring people together for national development, whether they are from Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or any other cultural group. We also focus on training young people in leadership, supporting vulnerable members of the society, and equipping youths with vocational and entrepreneurial skills,” he said.

The Magajin Garin Funtua, Aliyu Nuhu, commended the forum’s founders for championing an initiative to strengthen unity among the town’s diverse population.

“The forum can provide an avenue for youths and members of different ethnic communities in Funtua to interact, identify common challenges, and develop collective solutions. I urge the newly inaugurated leadership to operate with transparency, integrity, discipline, and commitment to the welfare and development of the people,” he said.

The event also featured a public health awareness session on diphtheria, where participants learned about the symptoms, dangers, and prevention of the disease.

Participants were also advised to seek prompt medical attention whenever they noticed symptoms of the disease.

The event, which showcased the unveiling of the forum’s leadership structure and agenda for community development, drew traditional rulers, community elders, and other stakeholders.

(NAN)