The minister of transport, Saidu Alkali, has urged youths in Gombe State to become drivers of their own economic future through practical, opportunity-driven paths.

Mr Alkali made the call on Monday in Kaltungo during the 2025 Kaltungo Cultural Day celebration.

He urged them to leverage opportunities in agriculture, transportation, and entrepreneurship for economic growth, a message aligning with broader development goals in the state.

The minister said sustainable development is driven by an empowered and productive population, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to inclusive governance, national integration and economic growth under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Alkali noted that Kaltungo occupies a unique and significant place in the historical and socio-economic development of Gombe State, citing its peaceful coexistence, cultural diversity and vast agricultural potential.

He explained that the ongoing modernisation of the transportation sector, including rail development and the construction of modern bus terminals, is aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating trade, creating jobs and opening up rural communities to economic opportunities.

“Kaltungo stands to benefit significantly from improved transport infrastructure, which will enhance agricultural value chains, commerce, tourism and overall socio-economic development,” he said.

He also commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his efforts in promoting peace, infrastructure development, education and healthcare, describing these initiatives as critical foundations for grassroots and community-led development.

In his remarks, Mr Yahaya, represented by the deputy governor, Manassah Jatau, emphasised the importance of tradition, noting that many of today’s challenges stem from the erosion of cultural values among the younger generation.

“Abandonment of traditional values has contributed to social problems such as drug abuse, as young people have strayed from accepted moral standards,” he said.

The deputy governor called on parents and elders to actively teach children traditional values, discipline and moral responsibility.

He further observed that in correctional facilities, Christians and Muslims are often well represented, while traditionalists are largely absent, stressing need to preserve and strengthen traditional upbringing to guide children towards positive and responsible lives

In his remark earlier, Sale Muhammad, the paramount ruler of Kaltungo, thanked all the dignitaries and traditional rulers within and outside Gombe who graced the occasion, adding that the traditional dancers from different chiefdoms added beauty to the event.

He also appreciated the sons and daughters of Kaltungo and everyone who contributed in one way or the other to make the day a reality.

(NAN)