By Our Reporter

Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu has reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive development with the official launch of the HEARTS Agenda, a visionary framework designed to unlock the potential of young people and drive sustainable progress across Nasarawa State.

The Senator unveiled the initiative during an interactive session with the Coalition of Nasarawa State Youth Leaders, under the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa State Chapter, held in Lafia, the state capital.

The engagement, described by participants as deeply insightful and inspiring, provided a platform for open dialogue between the lawmaker and youth representatives drawn from across the state.

In his remarks, Senator Wadada emphasized that the HEARTS Agenda—an acronym reflecting his focus on Human capital development, Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, Reforms, Technology, and Security—is aimed at positioning young people as the driving force of economic growth and innovation in Nasarawa.

Under the framework, the Senator outlined several strategic interventions, including:

1. Improved access to mentorship, credit, and enterprise support through the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA).
2. Establishment of a Youth Business Council to institutionalize youth participation in the state’s economic planning and decision-making processes.
3. Creation of innovation clusters in key sectors such as entertainment, fashion, sports, technology, and the food industry to nurture creativity and entrepreneurship.

Senator Wadada also disclosed plans to strengthen youth engagement in security, peacebuilding, and community rehabilitation through a more proactive Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Agency (NAYEA). This, he said, would ensure that the energy and creativity of the youth are productively harnessed for community safety and development.

Recognizing the importance of agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy, the Senator further announced his intention to establish Agricultural Hubs in each senatorial district, designed to promote mechanized farming, agribusiness incubation, and youth employment opportunities.

He described the session as a reminder of the vibrant spirit, innovation, and determination of Nasarawa’s youth, reaffirming his belief that the future of the state rests in the hands of its young people.

The event concluded with renewed optimism among youth representatives, who lauded the Senator’s inclusive approach and forward-thinking initiatives aimed at transforming Nasarawa into a hub of opportunity and progress.