Jobs, not charity are what Bauchi youths need
Sir: On the 25th day of Ramadan, March 14, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, hosted a Ramadan iftar with members of his neighbourhood, mosque committee members, imams,
Sir: On the 25th day of Ramadan, March 14, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, hosted a Ramadan iftar with members of his neighbourhood, mosque committee members, imams, and youths from the New GRA community in Bauchi. At the end of the gathering, the governor generously donated N50 million to the community to support Ramadan activities and celebrations.
The gesture was welcomed and appreciated. However, beyond the smiles and celebration of the evening, many youths in the community went home with a deeper question in their minds: What about our future?
The community, New GRA is home to many educated young people. Many have graduated from universities and polytechnics with hopes of building careers and contributing to the development of Bauchi State. Unfortunately, a large number of them are still searching for employment opportunities.
What they truly hoped to hear during the Ramadan gathering was not just a financial donation, but a clear commitment to youth employment. Even a promise that 100 qualified youths from the community would be considered in government employment or empowerment programs would have sent a powerful message of hope.
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Financial support during festive seasons is important. It helps communities celebrate and share moments of joy. But for young people struggling with unemployment, temporary donations cannot replace long-term opportunities. A young graduate without a job faces many challenges. He cannot support his parents. He cannot start a business. He cannot even plan to build a family. Over time, frustration begins to replace ambition. This is why youth employment is not just an economic issue — it is a social and security issue as well.
The youth of New GRA are proud to share a community with the governor. They see it as a privilege and a symbol of closeness between leadership and the people. However, they also believe that leadership should reflect in visible opportunities for development. What the youth want is simple: Not bags of rice. Not seasonal gifts. Not temporary assistance.
They want jobs, empowerment, and opportunities that will allow them to stand on their own feet. They want to be able to support their families and contribute meaningfully to the progress of Bauchi State.
Creating opportunities for youth employment, entrepreneurship programs, and skills development initiatives would not only transform individual lives — it would strengthen the future of the entire state. The youths are not asking for special favours. They are simply asking for a chance to prove themselves; because when young people succeed, the state succeeds.
•Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman), Bauchi.
