CNYFN Inaugurates Akpa as Patron, Backs Musa’s Defence Ministry Appointment By Ogbu Ajah

 The Coalition of Northern Youth Forum of Nigeria (CNYFN) has inaugurated Chief Dr Akpa Paul Hassan as its National Patron, charging him with the responsibility of mobilising resources, partnerships and experience towards the empowerment of Northern youths.

Akpa was inaugurated at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, during an event themed, “Northern Youths as Catalyst for Peace and Nation Building

.”

In his acceptance speech, Akpa described the appointment as a call to service, pledging to support initiatives that would expand opportunities for young Nigerians through education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, innovation, financial literacy, leadership and mentorship.

Group post photograph after innuguration 

He said CNYFN must move beyond rhetoric by positioning young people as active participants in national development.

“Education remains the foundation of progress. We must help young people acquire not only certificates, but also knowledge, competence, character and practical skills,” he said.

Akpa called for greater investment in vocational training, agriculture, digital skills, entrepreneurship and the creative industries, noting that such programmes could equip youths to become job creators and contributors to economic growth.

On peace and national cohesion, the new patron urged Northern youths to reject violence, extremism, hate speech, ethnic suspicion and other forms of manipulation capable of threatening peaceful coexistence.

He advocated dialogue, tolerance, justice, inclusion and responsible citizenship, stressing that youths could serve as bridges between communities.

“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, security and hope,” Akpa said.

He also proposed programmes to train and mobilise youths as peace ambassadors, community volunteers, entrepreneurs, innovators and responsible leaders.

CNYFN Backs Musa

Akpa also expressed support for the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), as Minister of Defence.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and congratulated Musa on his assumption of the portfolio.

“On behalf of the Coalition of Northern Youth Forum of Nigeria, I express our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this important appointment. We also congratulate the Honourable Minister of Defence and assure him of our support, prayers and cooperation as he assumes this vital responsibility,” he said.

Speaking separately, CNYFN National President, Ambassador Danladi Iliya, said Musa’s military experience and previous operational responsibilities positioned him to contribute to the Federal Government’s efforts to address the country’s security challenges.

Iliya said Musa’s service as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps and Chief of Defence Staff exposed him to various dimensions of Nigeria’s security challenges.

He stressed that CNYFN’s support was based on Musa’s record of service and national responsibility rather than regional considerations.

“General Christopher Musa is one of our own, but his responsibility is no longer regional. His mandate is national. His duty is to protect every Nigerian, North, South, East and West, without discrimination,” Iliya said.

He acknowledged that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping remained major security concerns, adding that Musa’s appointment should not be interpreted as meaning that the challenges had been resolved.

Iliya therefore called for sustained funding, modern technology, actionable intelligence, equipment, training and institutional support for the Armed Forces.

He also urged greater attention to the welfare of military personnel, including pensions, medical care, housing, allowances and support for veterans.

“A nation that asks its soldiers to defend its territorial integrity must also demonstrate that it values their lives, families, health, dignity and future,” he said.

The CNYFN president further linked national security to youth development, calling for improved access to education, employment, skills acquisition and economic opportunities.

He advocated increased investment in indigenous defence production, saying the sector could strengthen national security while creating opportunities for Nigerian engineers, scientists, technicians, entrepreneurs and young innovators.

Iliya urged governments, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, community leaders, parents, educational institutions, the media and youths to work together towards a safer and more cohesive Nigeria.

He said CNYFN would continue to promote professional leadership, institutional reform, inter-agency cooperation, community partnerships and constructive youth participation in national security and development.