By Oboh Linus, Lafia
The Centre for Women, Youth and Community (NACWYCA), a non-governmental organisation, has called for deliberate investment in young people as the only path to building a better Nigeria.
Justice Simon Aboki, the NACWYCA Board Chairman, gave this charge in Lafia, as the Organisation marked 25 years of leadership training and graduation of its 25th Set.
The event, themed “Raising Leaders, Shaping Future,” brought together alumni, parents, board members, and clergy to reflect on the camp’s impact amid growing concerns over national insecurity and values.
The Board Chairman, Simon Aboki, said the 25-year milestone must translate to greater responsibility.
“The future does not simply happen. It is shaped by the decisions, values, investments, and actions we take today.
“If we want a better community and a better nation tomorrow, then we must invest in young people today,” he stated.
He noted that the world young people are entering requires leaders who are adaptable, knowledgeable, morally grounded, and visionary.
“Leadership does not begin when a person occupies a position. Leadership begins when a person develops the character and willingness to serve others.
“At NACWYCA, leadership is about character, integrity, responsibility, discipline, courage, compassion, vision, and service”, he added.
He charged the 25th Set to become custodians of the camp’s values and urged them to stand out and raise others, serve and make a difference.
On his part, Abdulaziz Musa, Country Director of CBM Global Disability Inclusion,
the keynote speaker, advised the campers to build stronger relationships and establish meaningful connections and cautioned them against waiting for a perfect opportunity.
Musa said successful people must take responsibility to build their future and urged the campers to make effective use of the training they have received to achieve success.
Also speaking, Dr Nawani Aboki, the outgoing Executive Director of NACWYCA, raised concerns over how insecurity is limiting youth development programmes.
He noted that inter-state and international exposure camps have been reduced due to insecurity.
“Because Nigeria has changed now, some of these things have stopped – moving people around,” he said.
Despite this, Dr Aboki celebrated camp milestones including Mr and Mrs Elayo who met and married at the camp, and the production of the camp’s first Reverend Sister and a Reverend Father.
Chairperson of the occasion, Dr Asiya Lubu -John of Federal Medical Centre Keffi and 6th Set 2006, said the camp shaped her career path.
“Coming here as someone freshly out of secondary school helped put me on a trajectory to where I am going. This is a privilege that I don’t take for granted,” she said.
The Climax of the Occasion was the launching of a commemorative book, documenting 25 years of camp experiences by an alumnus of NACWYCA Camping and leadership training.
The Board described the book as a record of history, a celebration of legacy and an inspiration for the future. (NAN)
