By Mukhtar Sagir Dambatta
Muhammad Bello Bala Shagari says his nomination for the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO) presents an opportunity to strengthen the voice and participation of young people in global affairs.
Shagari stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja while speaking on his nomination and his experience in youth leadership.
He said his interest in the position was driven by the need to create stronger platforms through which young people from developing countries could contribute to discussions on peace, development, diplomacy and international cooperation.
According to him, young people should not only be regarded as beneficiaries of government policies but should also be actively involved in shaping policies and decisions that affect their future.
Shagari, who is Nigeria’s National Representative to NAMYO and Vice Chairperson for the Africa Region, said his experience in youth leadership had exposed him to challenges confronting young people across different countries.
He said the experience had strengthened his belief that youth organisations must move beyond conferences and declarations to practical programmes capable of producing measurable results.
Shagari, a former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), said African youths had enormous potential to contribute to peacebuilding, economic development and social transformation if given the necessary opportunities.
He said his previous involvement in youth advocacy and international engagement had helped him understand the importance of cooperation among young people across regions.
The Federal Government has endorsed Shagari’s candidacy for the NAMYO leadership, describing him as a youth leader with experience in youth development, public service and international diplomacy.
Shagari said the endorsement was an indication of Nigeria’s commitment to youth participation in international affairs, adding that he would continue to promote the interests of Nigerian and African youths if elected.
He said the position would also provide an avenue to promote greater cooperation among young people in the 121 member states of the Non-Aligned Movement.
NAMYO was established in 2022 following a recommendation by the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement and is headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The organisation focuses on youth cooperation, leadership, peacebuilding, sustainable development and international solidarity among member states.
Shagari said his vision was to ensure that youth cooperation within the movement translated into concrete initiatives, particularly in areas such as skills development, entrepreneurship, education, peacebuilding and innovation.
He said Nigeria had a strong history of contributing to international diplomacy and should continue to provide leadership in advancing the interests of young people across the Global South.
If elected, Shagari would become the first elected Chairperson of NAMYO since its establishment, according to the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
He said he would regard the position not merely as a personal achievement but as an opportunity to represent the aspirations of young people and strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to international youth diplomacy.
Shagari also called on young Nigerians to remain engaged in national development, saying their participation was essential to building a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous society. (NAN)
