By Hassan Ibrahim
The Bauchi State Ministry of Natural Resources has pledged to partner with the Bauchi State Youth Parliament in creating opportunities for youth within the natural resources sector to translate their knowledge, skills and innovation into wealth.
Speaking during the induction workshop of the Bauchi State Youth Parliament, 2nd Session, held at Yankari Game Reserve, State Commissioner of Natural Resources Muhammad Maiwada Bello, said that, "This event is not simply ceremonial. It represents an investment in the future of governance and a celebration of the growing voice of young people in shaping the destiny of our dear state."
Bello said, "In my role as Commissioner of Natural Resources, I am daily reminded that true wealth does not lie only beneath the ground in our minerals, oil, and gas. Rather, it lies in the capacity of our youth, their knowledge, innovation, and resilience."
The Commissioner explained that the Youth Parliament embodies that capacity, It creates a forum where the dreams of young people can be translated into ideas, and where those ideas can become policies that touch lives. The energy in this room is far more valuable than one could think, because it is the energy that builds societies and sustains constituencies.
The Commissioner charged the Parliament to use the platform to address the real challenges confronting young people employment, education, skills, innovation, and inclusion, adding, "Remember that you are not just speaking for yourselves, but for every young Bauchi boy or girl who looks to this parliament as their voice."
Bello said, "Honourable members of the 2nd Session, your induction today is a call to be different. You have the chance to prove that leadership among young people can be disciplined, productive, and visionary. I therefore charge you to support your Speaker with loyalty and teamwork, for leadership flourishes when there is unity."
Bello continued, "Let me at this point pay a deserved tribute to the newly sworn-in Speaker of the Bauchi State Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Mohammad Idris Musa (Whom we popularly call DanSarki). Knowing his antecedents, his courage, and his clarity of purpose, I have no doubt that his leadership will bring about stability, vision, and prosperity within this parliament.
He has consistently shown himself to be a young man of conviction, one who understands that leadership is not about privilege, but about service. The parliament under his stewardship will, I believe, set a new standard of youth representation and impact across Bauchi state.
"As Guest of Honour, I count on this new parliament, under the able leadership of its Speaker, to leave a legacy of constructive engagement, meaningful legislation, and impactful programs. Let me assure you that the Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to partner with you wherever your initiatives intersect with our mandate, particularly in creating opportunities for youth within the natural resources sector. May this parliament not only succeed, but also become a shining example of how youth leadership can transform society," he added.
On his part, State Commissioner of Youth and Sports Hon Adamu Babayo Gabarin, explained that the event is a defining moment in the journey of nurturing the next generation of leaders in Bauchi State, "It is a day where we reaffirm our belief that the energy of youth is not a problem to be managed, but a resource to be harnessed for development, peace, and progress."
The Commissioner said that the induction signifies much more than a training, it is a rite of passage. It marks your transition from ambition to responsibility, from potential to performance, and from being participants in democracy to becoming custodians of democracy.
"My dear young parliamentarians, you are not here by accident. You represent the voices, dreams, and aspirations of millions of young people across our state. Each one of you carries with you the hopes of your communities, the prayers of your families, and the confidence of government that youth are capable of shaping a better tomorrow," he said.
Gabarin said, "Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, our state has consistently demonstrated an unflinching commitment to youth empowerment, sports development, and inclusive governance. From skills acquisition programs to investment in sporting infrastructure, from education reforms to youth employment initiatives, His Excellency has made it clear Bauchi State believes in its youth.”
He continued, "Your generation faces unique challenges of unemployment, mental health concerns, drug abuse, digital disruptions, and the pressures of global competitiveness. But within these challenges lie golden opportunities, opportunities to create new solutions, to rewrite narratives, and to make Bauchi youth a model for Nigeria and Africa.
"You must use this platform not for self-interest, but for service. Not for division, but for unity. Not for noise, but for impact.We expect you to champion policies that promote skills development and entrepreneurship. Encourage volunteerism, civic engagement, and
innovation. Build bridges between the government and the grassroots. And above all, prove that youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today," he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Speaker Bauchi State Youth Parliament, Rt Hon Mohammad Idris Musa said, "This workshop marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Bauchi State Youth Parliament. Beyond a mere induction, it is an initiation into responsibility, a call to discipline, and a reminder of the weight we now carry on our shoulders."
Musa explained, "We are here to learn, to engage, and to sharpen our skills. We are here to acquire the knowledge, values, and discipline required to become worthy representatives of Bauchi youth. In these coming days, the sessions and interactions we will have are not for show, they are for building character, shaping perspectives, and instilling in us the ethics of leadership."
"To my fellow parliamentarians, today is not only about where we stand, but about how far we are willing to go in service to our state and our people. Let us leave here not just with certificates of induction, but with renewed minds, stronger hearts, and a firm determination to leave a legacy of impact," he said.
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