The portfolio assigned to Mr. Boni Haruna, former Governor of Adamawa State, as the Minister of Youth Development by the President Goodluck Jonathan is in the right direction. The minister was at the forefront in the advancement and development of the youths when he was governor of Adamawa State, whose cabinet consisted mainly youths within 40-46 years of age.
One youth appointed Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs was Alhaji Danjuma Hamman Jalo from Yola-North. Haruna laid emphasis as governor on giving the youths the opportunity to prove their worth. It is also on record, that Boni Haruna was the only governor in the federation to have appointed his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Abdulrazak Namdas, in his mid-30s, and gave him the leverage to perform his duties. Also, it was only in Adamawa State that one would find local government chairmen in their 30s.
During his 8-year stewardship as governor, youth development was accorded topmost priority by his administration. He encouraged the participation of youths in sporting activities, enhancing capacity building of the youths in every sphere of endeavours.
Boni Haruna spearheaded the full participation of youths in politics, especially in seeking elective offices. He also ensured that creative youths are encouraged to be self-reliant. As the new Minister of Youth Development, no doubt, he would dissipate his energy towards seeing that the Nigerian youths are a force to reckon with globally. He would also display his knowledge to see that the youths in Nigeria become agents of change in attitude and selflessness in the task of nation building.
Welcome on board and may your tenure be a successful outing.
Usman Santuraki,
House No2 Santuraki Close, Jambutu Ward,
Jimeta-Yola (08032333546)
