Comrade Ibrahim Yusuf Bokani, the Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger state, has lavished praise on Governor Umar Mohammed Bago's administration, saying it has made the state proud. In an interview with Blueprint Newspaper, Bokani outlined his political journey, the party's grassroots mobilisation strategy, and the achievements of the current administration. He stated that his passion for politics started during his school days at FC Kontagora, where he contested and won the position of Organising Secretary and Chief Imam.
Bokani's foray into politics began immediately after his graduation, starting with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) before moving to the APC. He served as the Youth Leader of Madera ward in Kontagora Local Government Area for about four or five years before returning to his native local government area, Mokwa, in 2014 and 2015. He held various positions within the party, including first caretaker Secretary for Bokani ward, Assistant Treasurer for Mokwa Local Government, and Local Government Youth Leader of Mokwa.
As the current Youth Leader of the APC in Niger state, Bokani has been able to positively influence his community. He facilitated the installation of a mini-grid solar system in Bokani community, which had been without electricity since 1999. Additionally, he ensured the installation of two 500 KVA transformers and facilitated local government appointments, securing permanent and pensionable appointments for between 15 and 20 people from his community.
Bokani's community development efforts also include the upgrade of the primary healthcare centre, repairs to the central mosque, and the transformation of Government Secondary School, Bokani. He attributed his appointment as the state youth leader to the governor's knowledge of his capacity and the insistence of the people in his local government area. Bokani assumed office as the state youth leader a few months ago and has since taken steps to influence the youth in the APC and across Niger state.
One of Bokani's first steps as the state youth leader was to organise a summit for all 25 local government youth leaders and their assistants across the state. The summit aimed to train them on mobilisation and grassroots engagement. He also toured all federal constituencies to interact with 274 ward youth leaders, providing them with hope and the courage to discharge their duties. Furthermore, he provided motorcycles to ease their movement and operations.
Bokani recognises the significant role young women play in politics and has merged youth and women structures. He provided deep freezers to local government women's leaders to support those running small businesses. Looking forward, Bokani's major plan is to advise the governor to embark on a massive empowerment programme for the youth and women, a robust initiative that goes beyond tokenistic empowerment schemes.
The proposed empowerment programme aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the youth and women in Niger state. Bokani expressed his commitment to discharging his duties and being beneficial to the people, praying for God's guidance to achieve this goal. With his experience and passion for politics, Bokani is poised to make a positive impact in Niger state.
Key points
- Governor Bago's administration has made Niger state proud, according to APC Youth Leader, Comrade Ibrahim Yusuf Bokani.
- Bokani has facilitated various development projects in his community, including the installation of a mini-grid solar system and upgrades to the primary healthcare centre.
- The proposed empowerment programme for the youth and women in Niger state aims to be a robust initiative, going beyond tokenistic empowerment schemes.
