By Sodiq Yusuf
Youths of Nigeria’s Southwest Region have condemned in its entirety the spate of attacks by Fulani Herdsmen in some parts of the country.
They however recommended that efforts be geared towards ending the impending crisis while calling for the entrenchment of the anti-open grazing law in the country.
Rising from the 1st Western Nigeria Regional Youth Summit held at the WOCDIF Centre in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun, Youths of the Southwest region also want the country to be restructured along true federalism lines.
“That the Youth of Western Nigeria condemn the incessant herdsmen attack on innocent people across the country and appeal to the federal government to act as a matter of urgency to avert massive reprisal attacks. That anti- open grazing laws be enacted throughout the country and commercially driven ranches be established.”
The summit geared towards developing a 25 year masterplan for the development of the region tagged “West 2040; Productivity, Prosperity and Peace” organized by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission also agreed on six key development visions for the region by the year 2040.
The vision are; A region less dependent on fossil fuels, A region that is a hub for tourism and agricultural competitiveness, An educated workforce, A region of technologically developed urban centers, A peaceful and secure region and one with A globally competitive Yoruba Language and culture.
The communiqué reads in part “That the youth of Western Nigeria affirm their belief in one united Nigeria based on fairness, equity and strict adherence of doctrine of federalism, separation of powers and rule of law. The need to enshrine in the Federal constitution a role for plebiscites or referendums on certain issues of public importance.”
“Youths in the region should be encouraged to participate in political governance at both the legislative and executive levels. The NOT TO YOUNG TO RUN proposal should be properly institutionalized at both federal and state elections.”
The Youths also resolved to make the critical sectors of Agriculture, Politics and Governance, Security, Agriculture, Education in the Southwest for greater prosperity while the needful will be done to make the region a step higher in creating opportunities, attracting investment and maximizing ideas across the federation.
At the end of the summit, participants agreed that the 25-year master plan as conceived by the Governments of the Western Nigeria is a step in the right direction and commended the government and people of the State of Osun as well as the DAWN Commission on convening the Regional Youth Summit.
Resolutions of the Summit are expected to be ratified by the six Governors of the Southwest at their next meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State where the next edition will hold in 2019.
