GovTracker Fellow Empowers 58 Youths in Potiskum on Budgeting, Transparency, and Accountability
The Yobe State GovTracker Fellow has trained 58 youths on budgeting, transparency, and accountability.
Held on May 10, 2025, at Annoor Luxury Hotel in Potiskum, this training was an integral part of a two-month fellowship program designed to empower young leaders, including student representatives, youth advocates, and community members. The aim was to inspire active civic engagement and promote accountability within public institutions.
Lawan Umar Saleh, the dedicated GovTracker Fellow leading the initiative, passionately advocated for the program under the Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI). This endeavour was made possible through partnerships with the European Partnership for Democracy, Youth Democracy Cohort, and ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy. As part of the broader GovTracker Fellowship, this youth-led initiative is supported by the Foundation for Public Interest Law and Development (FPIL&D) and the European Union, focusing on fostering transparency in public finance.
The event received strong backing from academic leaders such as Sir Mohammed Dahiru Zayi, the Dean of Student Affairs at the College of Administrative and Management Technology (CAMTECH). Student union leaders, including Comr. Ali Ya’u Haruna, SUG President of CAMTECH, and Comr. Yunusa Barde Abdullahi, SUG President of Yobe State University, actively participated and enriched the discussions.
Participants from the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Potiskum, especially Nurudeen Abu Isah, showcased enthusiasm and a strong commitment to community development.
Esteemed guests, including Mr Adamu Yusuf Garba and Muhammad Ibrahim Sadau, encouraged participants to embrace active roles in enhancing local accountability and transparency.
The training incorporated engaging methods such as storytelling and drama led by the community mobiliser AB Machina, which helped clarify complex governance concepts. Attendees also enjoyed spoken word performances by Zainab Abba Adamu and Salamatu Bida, which added depth and emotion to the event.
Zainab Abba Adamu’s powerful poem, “Game Changers,” resonated with participants and emphasized youth resilience, calling on them to act as catalysts for positive change.
Participants shared positive feedback, reflecting the event’s impact. ZY Bala remarked, “Attending this gathering has been truly inspiring. The positivity and network here are invigorating.”
Ahmad Yunusa expressed hope for more such initiatives in the community, stating, “Thank you for giving back.”
Comr. Ali Ya’u Haruna (SUG CAMTECH) noted, “We’ve taken significant steps towards developing our communities. This initiative has united intellectuals from across the region, and with hope and continuity, I believe we will see real change.”
The success of the training was bolstered by committed volunteers: Zainab Musa Shuaibu, Maimuna Giwa, Asma’u Jibril Umar, Kamal Sani Saleh, Ibrahim Muhammad Nuh, and Maryam Saleh Isah, whose hard work ensured smooth coordination throughout the sessions.
Musa Muhammad Musa travelled from Gombe State to participate, exemplifying how youth collaboration can transcend local boundaries.
Ahmed Inusa Ali played a crucial dual role as speaker and Master of Ceremony, adding energy and structure to the event.
A significant moment was the presentation by Abdussalam Abubakar MK, who discussed the role of technology in governance, equipping attendees with practical tools to enhance local transparency initiatives.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Lawan Umar Saleh stated, “This training marks the beginning of greater youth involvement in advocating for a transparent and accountable government.”
The GovTracker Step-Down Training in Potiskum represents a pivotal step toward fostering a culture of transparency and civic participation among the youth in Yobe State. With increased awareness and community engagement, young people are now poised to champion responsible governance at the grassroots level.
Read Also: PIJAlance Journalist, Enoch Oyedibu Selected for GovTracker 2025 Fellowship Programme
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