Shamsuddeen Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has publicly addressed Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, regarding his planned visit to Bauchi State under the banner of the Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment (RHYE) initiative. Mohammed’s message, conveyed through a Facebook post, carries a strong plea for genuine empowerment rather than short-term relief in the form of food handouts. He argues that the youth of Bauchi require sustainable solutions to their economic challenges, not temporary appeasement. His post emphasizes the need for investments in job creation, skill development, and resources that foster self-reliance, reflecting a desire for long-term impact over fleeting gestures of charity.
Mohammed’s appeal specifically highlights the need for opportunities that equip Bauchi’s youth to participate in the modern economy. He mentions providing resources like Keke NAPEPs (tricycles), seed funding for businesses, ICT infrastructure, and training in areas like cryptocurrency trading. This focus on tangible resources and skills development suggests a desire to move beyond traditional forms of aid and embrace modern avenues for economic empowerment. He contrasts these preferred forms of assistance with the distribution of food items, arguing that such handouts, while perhaps well-intentioned, ultimately fail to address the underlying issues of unemployment and economic disempowerment.
The underlying message of Mohammed’s post is a call for respect and recognition of the potential within Bauchi’s youth. He explicitly states that the youth are not beggars and should not be treated as such. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the perception and treatment of youth in the region. He advocates for a shift away from handouts towards empowerment, emphasizing the importance of investing in the future of Bauchi’s young people by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. This approach, he argues, is more dignified and sustainable than simply providing temporary relief.
Seyi Tinubu’s recent activities, which included distributing food to those in need during his tour of northern states, seem to have prompted Mohammed’s public appeal. While acknowledging the potential good intentions behind such gestures, Mohammed challenges the efficacy of this approach in truly addressing the needs of Bauchi’s youth. His post suggests that the distribution of food items, particularly during Ramadan, might be perceived as a form of political appeasement rather than a genuine attempt to address the root causes of poverty and unemployment. He seems to be calling for a more considered and impactful approach to youth empowerment, one that focuses on long-term development rather than short-term relief.
The context of this exchange highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the most effective strategies for addressing poverty and unemployment, particularly among youth. Mohammed’s critique of handouts reflects a growing understanding that sustainable development requires more than just temporary relief. It calls for investment in education, skills development, and access to resources that empower individuals to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the economy. This approach aligns with the broader global discourse on sustainable development goals, which emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals and communities to escape the cycle of poverty.
In essence, Shamsuddeen Mohammed’s message to Seyi Tinubu is a plea for genuine empowerment and a rejection of the optics of charity. He advocates for a more strategic and sustainable approach to youth development, one that respects the dignity and potential of Bauchi’s young people. His focus on skills development, resource provision, and access to modern economic opportunities reflects a broader shift in thinking about poverty alleviation, moving away from handouts towards genuine empowerment and long-term solutions. This call for a more dignified and effective approach to youth empowerment serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in the future, not just addressing immediate needs.
