Former female Niger State governorship candidate and founder of Search Inwards Social Ambassadors Community Development Service Group (SISA-CDS) Dr Khadijah Abdullahi-Iya has urged Nigerian youths to reject attempts by politicians and other interests to divide them stressing that national development requires unity and collective responsibility.
Abdullahi-Iya delivered the charge at SISA-CDS’s 15th graduation and 16th national inauguration ceremony in Minna where she said the organisation had graduated more than 1000 Nigerian youths through its leadership development programme.
She said the nine-month programme established in 2017 was designed to promote patriotism volunteerism responsible leadership and active participation in national development.
According to her the organisation began its partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2018 and has continued to equip young graduates with the knowledge values and practical skills needed to contribute to their communities and the country.
Abdullahi-Iya noted that the programme had produced young leaders making positive contributions across different states and sectors.
The former governorship candidate also highlighted the Rags to Riches initiative under the Beyond Mentors Community Care Initiative established in 2006 to expose children to financial literacy leadership patriotism and practical skills from an early age.
Earlier Dr Maimuna Salim Chief Operating Officer of Search Inwards Group of Companies said the programme provides training in leadership entrepreneurship volunteerism social ethics conflict resolution and community development.
She explained that participants also undertake community outreach projects to address identified social needs.
Salim expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by the graduating participants saying they understood the lessons taught during the nine-month programme and were prepared to mentor others.
In his welcome address the Niger State Change Catalyst of SISA-CDS Mohammed Danjuma Abubakar described the initiative as a complement to the NYSC’s efforts to equip graduates with leadership skills practical experience and innovative approaches to solving community problems.
He said some programme graduates secured employment using their SISA certifications and project portfolios while others contributed to communities within and outside Nigeria.
Abubakar attributed these achievements to the founder’s vision and commitment describing the initiative as an example of selfless service and proactive leadership.
The Niger State NYSC Coordinator Mrs Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim represented by the SISA Desk Officer Mallam Abdullahi Yahaya commended the initiative and urged corps members to serve as good ambassadors of SISA-CDS.
The Head of Enterprise Development Search Inwards Group of Companies and National Change Catalyst of SISA-CDS Mr Dalhatu Abubakar Iya outlined the award categories for outstanding graduates. They included the SISA Community Service Award Commendation Award Punctuality Gem Social Media Award Special Commendation Award for Facilitators and SISA Person of the Year Award.