The leadership of the BassaNge Youths Association (BNYA), led by its National President, Alhaji Aliyu Yunusa, has held a strategic engagement with the Member representing Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Paul Gowon Haruna (IJN Òdógwú), JP, to press for urgent intervention on critical developmental challenges affecting the district.
According to a press statement signed by the Media Assistant to the National President, Prince Adamu Ibrahim Alih, the high-level meeting focused on pressing issues confronting youths and residents of BassaNge land, notably the deplorable state of roads, skills acquisition, economic empowerment, educational scholarships, and greater youth inclusion in governance.
Speaking during the engagement, Alhaji Yunusa emphasized that young people in the constituency are ready to contribute meaningfully to socio-economic development rather than remain passive observers. He noted that the association presented a unified front on behalf of BassaNge youths, stressing that sustainable progress requires active collaboration between elected representatives and the youth demography.
“We are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are partners of today. Together, we will move our constituency forward,” Yunusa stated, commending the federal lawmaker for granting the delegation an audience and demonstrating a willingness to listen to the concerns of the grassroots.
In his response, Rt. Hon. Paul Gowon Haruna lauded the BNYA leadership for their organization, decorum, and clear articulation of the developmental needs of the BassaNge district. Describing the youths as vital stakeholders and partners in progress, the lawmaker assured the delegation that their demands align with his legislative priorities.
Addressing the concern over dilapidated road infrastructure, Haruna disclosed that legislative efforts are already underway to attract federal attention to the area. He noted that while the Senator representing the district is pursuing complementary efforts in the upper chamber, he will continue to raise the matter on the floor of the House of Representatives and engage relevant federal agencies to ensure the roads are rehabilitated.
On youth empowerment, the lawmaker agreed that sustainable capacity building must replace temporary handouts, pledging to facilitate targeted training programs in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), modern agriculture, and vocational trades specifically tailored for youths in the BassaNge district and the wider constituency.
Furthermore, Haruna reaffirmed his commitment to educational support and participatory governance, promising to expand scholarship schemes to prevent indigent students from dropping out of school due to financial constraints. He also announced plans to establish a dedicated youth forum to guarantee continuous engagement and ensure young voices remain integral to decision-making processes within the constituency.
Reiterating an open-door policy, the lawmaker thanked the association for their trust and sustained mobilization, urging continued unity and partnership to accelerate development across BassaNge land and the entire Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency.
