Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building resilient and sustainable communities through youth empowerment, capacity building and the creation of an enabling environment for young people to thrive.
Farauta made the commitment while addressing participants at the fourth Northeast Youth in Crisis Conference held in Yola, Adamawa State. The conference was organised by the Centre for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), in collaboration with the Adamawa State Government, ActionAid and other development partners.
The conference was held under the theme, “Beyond 2026: Youth as Partners in Localizing Humanitarian Action and Building Resilient Communities in Nigeria.” It focused on strengthening the role of young people in humanitarian response, community development and efforts to build more resilient societies across the Northeast.
Farauta commended young people in the region for their contributions to humanitarian activities, particularly their role as first responders during periods of crisis.
She said the government would continue to support initiatives aimed at equipping youths with the skills, opportunities and knowledge required to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
The Deputy Governor also challenged young Nigerians to embrace creativity, innovation, hard work and commitment, describing these qualities as important tools for building sustainable livelihoods.
According to her, young people should not only seek opportunities but should also develop their capacity to create value and contribute to the growth of their communities.
Farauta further encouraged residents to patronise locally owned businesses and products, saying stronger support for home-grown enterprises could help strengthen local economies and create more opportunities for young people.
In remarks reported from the conference, she also emphasised the dignity of labour and encouraged youths to remain faithful and committed to whatever legitimate work they undertake. She noted that many successful businesses started from small, home-based enterprises before expanding.
The Deputy Governor’s comments come against the backdrop of continuing efforts across the Northeast to address the effects of insecurity, displacement, unemployment and limited economic opportunities affecting young people.
The conference provided a platform for discussions on how youths can become active partners in humanitarian action rather than being viewed only as beneficiaries of interventions.
Farauta maintained that creating an enabling environment remains essential to allowing young people to translate their skills and ideas into productive ventures and community development initiatives.
Adamawa’s official government profile identifies Farauta as the state’s Deputy Governor and notes her previous experience in education, administration and university management. The state has also developed a youth policy that places emphasis on youth opportunities, employment and human-capital development.
The conference brought together youth representatives, civil society organisations, government officials and development partners to consider practical approaches to strengthening youth participation in humanitarian and development efforts across Nigeria’s Northeast.
Farauta’s message centred on the need for young people to combine access to opportunities with responsibility, innovation and a commitment to contributing to stronger and more sustainable communities.
