The Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Kasim Mohammed, has charged the leadership of the Gwagwalada Youths Network to regard their emergence as a call to service and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Federal Capital Territory.
Kasim gave the charge when the leadership of the network paid him an appreciation visit in his office.
The Chairman described the emergence of the youth leadership as timely and urged the group to use its platform to promote unity, peace and cooperation among residents of the FCT.
He specifically challenged the youths to rise above segregation and sentiments based on the nine indigenous tribes of the FCT, religion or Area Council of origin, stressing that the collective interest and development of the territory should remain paramount.
According to him, youths of the FCT must see themselves as one and place the interest of the territory above sectional considerations.
āAs people of the FCT, you must stand for the FCT,ā he said, while stressing that development knows no boundaries and should be pursued for the benefit of all residents.
Kasim further urged the youth leaders to lead by example, noting that genuine leadership must be reflected in responsible conduct, inclusiveness and commitment to serving the people.
He disclosed that youths were already represented in his administration, explaining that he had appointed two aides as advisers on youth matters.
The Chairman assured the delegation that his administration remained open to constructive ideas, proposals and initiatives capable of contributing to the development of the FCT.
He said his doors would remain open to suggestions from the youths and other stakeholders aimed at promoting peace, development and the collective interest of the territory.
On national politics, Kasim declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended the Federal Government for what he described as positive developments in the FCT.
He stated that, in his view, āthe FCT has never had it this goodā under the current administration.
The Gwagwalada Chairman also commended President Tinubu for his appointments, particularly the appointment of an indigene of the FCT as a member of the National Executive Council, while also praising the Minister of the FCT for his performance.
Kasim, who acknowledged that he is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, said he would support candidates of the All Progressives Congress from the presidential level down to the House of Representatives.
He subsequently urged the youths to learn from the political experience of 2023 and avoid what he described as mistakes made during that period.
The Chairman charged the youth leadership to remain focused on its objectives and resist distractions that could undermine its ability to provide effective representation and leadership.
He called on the network to use its platform to build bridges across ethnic, religious and political divides, promote unity and contribute positively to the future of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Chairmanās message, according to observers, places responsibility on the emerging youth leadership to move beyond political and sectional interests and demonstrate that youth leadership can serve as a platform for unity, constructive engagement and development across the FCT.