The National Youth Wing of the Southern Kaduna People’s United-Associations (SOKAPU) has called for greater political inclusion, enhanced security, and increased investment in education as urgent measures to address the region’s persistent challenges.
In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, 27 July 2026, the youth wing, through its Coordinator, Comrade Solomon Simon Andrew, MHSN, stressed that Southern Kaduna has consistently contributed to the political stability, electoral success, and socio-economic development of Kaduna State—and therefore deserves a stronger voice in governance.
Youth Wing Commends Deputy Governor Selections
The group commended political parties in Kaduna State, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC), for what it described as deliberate efforts to restore equitable political representation through the selection of deputy governor candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The communiqué noted that the development reflects the aspirations of progressive citizens who desire justice, fairness, inclusion, and equity in governance. The youth wing observed that informal political arrangements in previous administrations fostered a sense of balance and belonging, and that their abandonment had created divisions and exclusion among communities.
However, the group urged political parties to extend the principle of fairness to political appointments in the next administration—specifically citing Kauru Local Government Area, which it said had not produced a Commissioner or member of the Kaduna State Executive Council in nearly three successive administrations, despite its significant population and political relevance.
“This call is not rooted in entitlement but in justice and fairness,” the group stated, urging political actors to ensure every local government in Kaduna State has a meaningful sense of belonging. “Political inclusion must not remain a campaign slogan—it must be reflected in leadership and decision-making.”
Call for Support for Federal University, Kachia
The youth wing commended the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, and other stakeholders for establishing the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FAUSK), describing it as one of the most significant educational milestones in Southern Kaduna’s history.
However, it urged stakeholders to move beyond celebration and collectively invest in the institution’s development. The group called on political leaders, traditional institutions, professionals, business owners, philanthropists, development partners, and the Southern Kaduna diaspora to support the university through scholarships, student accommodation, mentorship, research partnerships, entrepreneurship programmes, and infrastructure development.
The group expressed concern over the high tuition burden facing students at FAUSK, revealing that consultations had shown many families struggling to meet financial demands. It appealed for a review of tuition fees while calling on wealthy sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna to support students.
“The future of Southern Kaduna will be shaped not only by the roads we build but by the minds we educate,” the communiqué stated.
Demand for Release of Captives, Stronger Security
On security, the SOKAPU Youth Wing expressed deep concern over continued attacks and kidnappings across Southern Kaduna—specifically referencing the Easter Sunday attacks in Ariko and Awon communities in Kachia Local Government Area, where 37 and 11 victims respectively have remained in captivity for 113 and 98 days.
The organisation called for the urgent return of all Southern Kaduna residents still in captivity, amid reports that some victims may have died while in captivity. It also demanded stronger security deployment, improved intelligence gathering, closer collaboration between security agencies and local communities, greater protection for vulnerable populations, and sustained investment in youth empowerment as a long-term strategy for tackling crime and violence.
“Every farmer deserves to return safely from the farm. Every child deserves to attend school without fear. Every family deserves to sleep with both eyes closed. Every community deserves the protection guaranteed under the Constitution,” it said.
‘Southern Kaduna Seeks Fairness, Not Special Treatment’
The youth wing emphasised that political inclusion, quality education, and security are interconnected pillars essential for the region’s development. It therefore called on governments at all levels, political parties, elected representatives, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, professionals, and the wider Southern Kaduna community to unite around these issues.
The group stressed that Southern Kaduna was not seeking sympathy or preferential treatment, but fairness, inclusion, and opportunity.
“Above all, we seek a future where every child born in Southern Kaduna can dream, aspire, and succeed without fear or limitation,” the communiqué concluded.
