Former lawmaker Dachung Musa Bagos has called on youths of Plateau North to take ownership of political processes as a way to demand accountability and shape the future of leadership in the state.
Bagos, who represented Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, gave the charge on Friday during the maiden edition of the Plateau Northern Zone Youth Summit, themed “Equipping the Next Generation, Transforming Tomorrow.”
“The time has come for us—you, the youths of Plateau North—to rise and take up leadership. Until you own a position, you can’t demand accountability. You won’t know the level of transparency the office requires,” Bagos said.
He explained that the summit was designed to allow youths to set the agenda for 2027 and beyond.
“This is where we discuss the future of Plateau Northern youths. Not just to discuss, but to articulate concrete issues that will inform our agenda. These are the issues the youths themselves are saying should drive the campaign,” he added.
Bagos also highlighted the youths’ focus on substantive issues such as insecurity, economic empowerment, and legislative advocacy.
“They’re not just looking for promises, they care about deep-rooted issues like insecurity, their future, and legislative matters. These youths are concerned about Nigeria. So for me, this summit is a wake-up call. It’s the youths saying: we own this process,” he noted.
In his remarks, Panan Dapar, Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, urged participants to rise above partisan politics and work for the state’s development.
“If you belong to Party A, carry out your responsibilities with decorum. Do not attack those in Party B. What we should be talking about is not PDP or APC but Plateau State,” Dapar said, warning that divisive youth actions often derail peace efforts.
Also, Stephen Akuba, who chaired the occasion, applauded Bagos’ mentorship initiative, describing him as a model for present and future generations. “Hon. Bagos’ commitment to empowering youths sets a standard we should all emulate,” Akuba said.
The summit brought together youth representatives, community leaders, and political stakeholders from across Plateau North, highlighting the increasing role of young people in political discourse and governance. Bagos concluded by urging participants to embrace opportunities, take leadership, and reject poverty and insecurity, saying: “The future belongs to “you”
