The Nijasun News Desk
A decade after Boko Haram terrorists declared Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State a caliphate, the once insurgency-ravaged community has recorded a remarkable milestone by hosting its first-ever youth summit.
The historic gathering, held at the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, over the weekend, brought together youths, traditional rulers, politicians and professionals from the area’s 13 ethnic communities, as well as participants from other parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Gwoza was among the communities that suffered heavily during the Boko Haram insurgency. Although troops of the Joint Task Force North East, under Operation HADIN KAI, eventually liberated the area, the conflict forced thousands of residents into displacement, leaving several communities deserted.
Declaring the summit open, the Emir of Gwoza, His Royal Highness, Mohammed Idris Timta, commended the organisers, led by Dr Buba Musa Tunga, for bringing young people together to discuss the future of their community.
The monarch stressed that the summit should not be treated as a one-off event but as the beginning of sustained engagement aimed at promoting lasting peace and development.
To ensure continuity, the Emir inaugurated Mohammed Adamu Bams as caretaker chairman of the youth forum alongside two executive members, pending the election of substantive leadership.
He also directed the preparation of a comprehensive communiqué to guide the activities and future direction of the organisation.
Speaking at the event, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babagana Zulum and security agencies for their efforts in restoring peace to the area.
Ndume said the return of peace was evident in the construction of new houses allocated to thousands of internally displaced persons returning to their ancestral communities.
He emphasised that rebuilding Gwoza required collective commitment beyond ethnic, religious, political and geographical differences.
According to him, the central objective of the summit was to unite all citizens of Gwoza and encourage them to invest in their collective future.
Also speaking, the member representing Damboa/Chibok/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Hon. Ahmed Usman Jaha, urged the youths to embrace discipline, acquire knowledge and take active responsibility for community development.
He challenged them not to wait until tomorrow before contributing to society, insisting that responsible leadership begins with present actions.
The summit is expected to provide a permanent platform for youth participation, reconciliation and the pursuit of sustainable peace in a community seeking to move beyond the painful memories of insurgency.
For Gwoza, the gathering represents more than a youth meeting. It is a significant statement of resilience and a renewed determination to reclaim its future after years of violence and displacement.
Tags: Gwoza, Boko Haram, Borno State, Youth Summit, Operation Hadin Kai
Source: Daily Trust
