Inuwa Isa Meeraj is one of the founders of Yola Connect, a non-governmental organization seeking to engage youths in community development.
The 24 year old Graduate of Biotechnology MAUTECH, Yola tells us about the organization and its achievements.
“Yola Connect is a non-governmental organisation, It was set up in 2016 by 7 of us after the disturbing insurgency that hit the State! The intention then was to organize social events that will bring Adamawa people most especially youths of different cultural background and religion together.
“We had to because at that time the insurgency had been reduced and they had stopped curfew in the state, so we decided to do something that will bring people together to Socialize and have fun,” he said.
He noted that at the time there were entrepreneurs that needed help in boosting their markets and hence the organization felt the need “to do something that will be like an avenue for them to boost their market opportunities and showcase their talents and the turnout was massive,” he said.
“Our aim is to connect people which will in turn add value to them. Yola Connect wants to instil that passion for volunteering which is not common around here, the benefits are very enormous” he said.
He also said youth empowerment was one that creates a sense of belonging and purpose for youth.
“It will also get rid of some bigotry attitude of some youth around, this is what we want to achieve in the coming years! Youth will get to understand how important they are in Nation building and God willing we will have a much better Adamawa and if stuff like this can be replicated in other states, then Nigeria as a whole will benefit positively,” he said.
During the build-up to the presidential election, the group organised a peace walk to warn youths against being used as agents for political violence.
Meeraj said due to the high rate of illiteracy in the region, a disturbing number of youth are vulnerable and can be used for Political violence and based on a report by international crises group, and Adamawa state was among the six riskiest states ahead of the concluded general elections.
“Something had to be done by us even though something was already being done by the government and security agents, we had to contribute as youth that are interested in having a peaceful election. So we decided to have a Youth peace walk that will reaffirm our commitment in having a peaceful election and also kick against Political Violence and Thuggery, Hate speeches, vote buying and other form of Political Vices,” he noted.
Meeraj said although there were people who didn’t want to listen because the group wasn’t there with some motivations like the politicians that took money to them.
“I believe when you talk to 50 people and even if only 5 listen and get the message, it is possible each of the 5 persons can tell 10 others and before you know it the positive message has gone viral. Then we did some social media campaign too and invited youth for the walk” he said.
The walk was successful with the evidence reflecting in the peaceful elections recorded in the state, Meeraj said with a sense of fulfilment.
