Youth O' Clock Advancement Association Gombe State Chapter

25/10/2025

Press Release
24th October, 2025

Youth O’Clock Grieves the Loss of Its Strongest Ally in Peacebuilding, the Late Col. Abdullahi Bello (Rtd.)

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un!

The Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter, under the leadership of its State Coordinator, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, joins the Government and people of Gombe State, the Balanga Local Government community, and indeed all citizens of goodwill in mourning the passing of a patriot, leader, and mentor, Colonel Abdullahi Bello (Rtd.), Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs.

The organization received the news of his tragic demise with profound sadness and a deep sense of personal loss. To Youth O’Clock, the late Colonel Abdullahi Bello was far more than a Commissioner, he was a mentor, a motivator, and a pillar of support in our collective pursuit of peace, youth development, and community safety.

Since the establishment of Youth O’Clock Gombe, the Ministry under his leadership had remained one of our strongest partners, extending moral guidance, institutional support, and constant presence at our programs across the State. His wisdom, humility, and willingness to listen made him a rare figure in leadership, he is a man who saw promise in young people and worked tirelessly to give them voice and direction.

Under his watch, the Ministry actively collaborated with Youth O’Clock in several key engagements, including the Gombe Peace Dialogue, the Billiri Stakeholders’ Engagement, and the Town Hall on Youth Restiveness and Security, among others. Even before his passing, advanced discussions were ongoing toward a mentorship initiative to be anchored by him, a reflection of his enduring commitment to nurturing the next generation of peacebuilders.

His death is indeed a monumental loss to Gombe State and Nigeria at large. We have lost not just a Commissioner, but a friend of the youth, a soldier of peace, and a man of unshakable integrity.

The organization equally extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Police Orderly, Sergeant Adamu Hussaini, who also lost his life in the tragic accident. Both men died in active service to the State, a reminder of the daily sacrifices made by those who safeguard our peace and security.

As we condole with His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Gombe State Executive Council, his family, and the good people of Balanga Local Government, we pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, grants him Aljannah Firdaus, and gives his loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss.

The Youth O’Clock family will forever remember his kindness, guidance, and belief in the power of the youth to transform society.

Signed
Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan
State Media Officer,
Youth O’Clock Nigeria (Gombe State Chapter)

19/08/2025

INVITATION TO FINAL MATCH (ALGON CUP)

Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter, cordially invites all members and the general public to the Final Match of the ALGON CUP.

Venue: Brave Rock
Date: Tomorrow, Wednesday, 20th August, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM

Come and witness the thrill, passion, and unity of youth as we bring the tournament to a grand close. Don’t miss the excitement!

Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan
Media Officer
Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Gombe State

14/08/2025

Gombe Gov't Pledges Priority for Youth as Youth O’Clock Nigeria Leads International Youth Day March

By Comr Abdul'aziz Ibrahim Hassan

The Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its determination to continue creating job opportunities for young people to enhance self-reliance, strengthen peace, and boost both the state and national economy.

This pledge was made by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya while receiving youths who staged a rally from the Gombe Emir’s Palace to the Government House in commemoration of International Youth Day, led by Youth O’Clock Nigeria.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the governor highlighted government’s initiatives such as the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps (GOSTEC), which currently benefits at least 500 youths.

He further revealed that the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, established by the state government in Dadin Kowa, will create over 50,000 jobs for young people.

Governor Yahaya urged youths to redouble their efforts in education and entrepreneurship while shunning drug abuse and divisive politics, stressing that such discipline will earn them respect in society and enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of Gombe State.

He also used the opportunity to felicitate with all youths in the state on International Youth Day, assuring them that his administration will continue to give youth development the priority it deserves.

Earlier, the Gombe State Coordinator of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, called on the government to increase the state’s N7,500 scholarship allowance for students by 200 percent, considering the current economic realities.

According to Comrade Abdulazeez, the scholarship scheme, introduced in 2004, is outdated and insufficient, especially with the recent increase in tuition fees, noting that N7,500 cannot meet students’ needs in today’s economy.

He further advised the state government to always consider Voluntary Uniform Organizations in its security planning by allocating at least 80 percent of new GOSTEC recruitments to them, given their unwavering commitment to supporting security efforts despite not receiving salaries.

In his vote of thanks, the National Convener of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Engineer Seth Francis, expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Government for granting audience to the youths.

Describing young people as the bedrock of meaningful national development, Engineer Francis urged the state government to provide more opportunities for youths, who he said possess the talent and drive to deliver impactful change.

Highlights of the event included a group photograph and the presentation of documents detailing the demands of Gombe youths, particularly the proposal for the establishment of the Gombe State Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Commission, aimed at promoting vocational skills and setting up skill acquisition centers.

The mega youth rally, which featured officials and members of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Gombe State students, and Voluntary Uniform Organizations, kicked off from the Gombe Emir’s Palace, passed through the Central Roundabout, and ended at the Gombe State Government House.

The event formed part of activities marking International Youth Week, a global celebration dedicated to recognizing the energy, creativity, and contributions of young people in shaping a better society.

14/08/2025

REMINDER

This is to remind you that tomorrow there will be a Football Competition at Brave Rock by 8:30 AM.

For the State Exco's, please endeavor to be present, as this marks the final activity of our International Youth Week celebration. Come join us as we wrap up the week in excitement and unity!

Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan
Media Officer
Youth O’Clock Nigeria Gombe State

07/08/2025

Youth O’Clock Champions Peacebuilding and Tree Planting Initiative in Nafada

By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

In a strategic move to promote peaceful coexistence and environmental sustainability, Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter, has led a high-level stakeholders’ engagement in Nafada, combining a tree planting campaign with conflict resolution dialogue.

Held at the Gombe State College of Education and Legal Studies, Nafada, the event brought together traditional and religious leaders, youth and women groups, security agencies, and civil society organizations to address persistent farmer-herder clashes and environmental degradation in the area.

The Head of the Agriculture Department at the host institution, Malam Muyiddeen Baba, described tree planting as a transformative tool for community development. He commended Youth O’Clock for supplying 1,500 economic tree seedlings and called on residents to embrace the culture of tree planting for long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Representatives of security agencies also lent their voices in support of the initiative. The Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahya, represented by CSP Yohana Joel Athuman, and the NSCDC State Commandant, Jibrin Idris, represented by Divisional Officer Murtala Busari, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace in the area. They emphasized the importance of tolerance and locally driven conflict resolution.

Farmer and herder representatives, Dauda Sa’idu and Alhaji Abdullahi Lamido Ada respectively, pledged to uphold the terms of a newly signed peace accord. Both leaders stressed mutual responsibility in maintaining calm during the farming season.

The Emir of Nafada, HRH Alhaji Muhammad Dadum Hamza, was represented by the District Head of Nafada Garu, who commended Youth O’Clock for its proactive peace and development efforts. He assured the Emirate Council’s full support for the ongoing initiatives.

Gombe State Coordinator of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, said the initiative is designed to foster collaboration among community actors in addressing violence and restoring the environment. He noted that the 1,500 trees would be planted at key locations including the College, the Eid Ground, and Jimawan Nafada.

The event also featured the inauguration of the new executive members of Youth O’Clock Nafada Chapter and the formal signing of a peace accord between farmers and herders, witnessed by security officials, traditional authorities, and community stakeholders.

The symbolic flag-off of the tree planting campaign marked the climax of the event, positioning Nafada on a new path toward peace and environmental resilience.

07/08/2025