By Zakari Isah, Kaduna
May 12, 2026
Youths in Kudenden community of Kaduna State have declared their determination to resist political manipulation and support only leaders committed to the development of their community as political activities gradually intensify ahead of future elections.
The position was made known during the monthly general meeting of the Kudenden branch of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) held at Government Secondary School, Kudenden.
Chairman of the Kudenden branch of SOKAPU, Comrade Jeremy Job, said youths in the area had become more politically conscious and would no longer allow themselves to be used by politicians for selfish interests.
According to him, members of the community have continued to rely on self-help initiatives due to what he described as neglect by political leaders outside election periods.
He explained that youths and community leaders regularly organise sanitation and development exercises every third Saturday of the month, including road clearing and other support services aimed at improving living conditions in the area.
“If we do not come out to help ourselves, nobody will do it for us. Our Permanent Voter Cards will speak for us, and we will support only those who remember the community,” he stated.
Speaking at the meeting, President of SOKAPU, Engr. Samuel Tabara Kato, represented by the Vice President of the union, Comrade Haruna Solomon, urged youths to remain united, peaceful and law-abiding.
He warned against allowing themselves to be manipulated into acts capable of disrupting peace and stability in their communities.
Engr. Tabara noted that SOKAPU, the umbrella socio-cultural organisation representing more than 65 indigenous ethnic groups in Southern Kaduna, remained committed to promoting peace, security and development across the region.
He stressed the importance of cooperation among youths, especially in rural communities, to ensure sustainable development and peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking, Sarkin Samari of Kudenden, Pastor Wilson Ayuba Shetima Gbaji, said the gathering was aimed at strengthening unity among youths from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds living in the community.
He said elders in the community were committed to guiding young people towards positive behaviour and discouraging involvement in social vices and criminal activities.
Pastor Gbaji further encouraged youths to speak up about challenges affecting them to enable community leaders seek lasting solutions, including job opportunities and welfare support.
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