Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State has held its first-ever youth summit, 10 years after Boko Haram terrorists declared the community a caliphate during their insurgency.
The town was later recaptured by troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, under Operation Hadin Kai. However, the insurgency forced many residents to flee their homes, leaving several communities deserted.
The Emir of Gwoza, His Royal Highness Mohammed Idris Timta, officially opened the summit at the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, over the weekend.
The monarch commended the organisers, led by Dr Buba Musa Tunga, for bringing young people together, urging them to make the gathering a lasting platform for promoting peace and development.
“This summit should be treated as the beginning of a sustained process of engagement among Gwoza youths to bring sustainable peace and development,” the Emir said.
To ensure the forum continues beyond the maiden gathering, the traditional ruler appointed Mohammed Adamu Bams as caretaker chairman, alongside two executive members, pending the election of permanent leaders.
He also directed the organisers to prepare a detailed communiqué to guide the activities and future direction of the forum.
The summit attracted youths, traditional rulers, politicians and professionals from Gwoza's 13 ethnic communities, as well as participants from other parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the event, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, thanked President Bola Tinubu, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and security agencies for their efforts in restoring peace to the area.
He said the progress made was reflected in the construction of new houses, which had been allocated to thousands of residents returning after being displaced by the insurgency.
Ndume stressed that rebuilding Gwoza required the cooperation of all its communities, regardless of their backgrounds.
“The central objective of this summit is to bring all citizens of Gwoza together, regardless of ethnic, religious, political, or geographical differences,” he said.
He urged young people to put aside their differences and work together towards the development of their communities.
Also speaking, the member representing Damboa/Chibok/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Hon. Ahmed Usman Jaha, told the youths that responsible leadership required discipline, learning and active participation in community development.
He urged them to begin contributing to society now rather than waiting for the future to take up leadership responsibilities.
10 years after Boko Haram declared Gwoza caliphate, town hosts first youth summit