On Sunday, 13th October, 2024, the Zakah and Waqf Foundation Gombe successfully organized the 9th Workshop for the 2023/2024 Waqf Ambassadors titled “Youth Mentorship Session.” This session aimed at inspiring and mentoring the youth by inviting renowned experts from various fields to share their life journeys, experiences, and knowledge with the aim of teaching them their life lessons, and the factors that helped them attain success. The event focused on fostering leadership, responsibility, and personal growth within the youth community of Gombe.

*Panelists:*

1. Sheikh Yahya Bello

_Chief Imam, Masjid Gojeh Tumu, Gombe & Proprietor, Alfurqan Academy Gombe._

Sheikh Yahya Bello, a scholar, Arabist, tafseer expert and renown preacher and PhD candidate in Arabic, emphasized the importance of leadership through faith. He highlighted how young people can integrate religious principles into their daily lives and leadership roles. Sheikh Yahya also touched on the importance of humility, discipline, and dedication as key elements in both personal and community growth. His message stressed the role of Islamic teachings in building strong moral character, a foundation for effective leadership.

2. Prof. Muhammad Manga

_Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Gombe State University (GSU) & Head of Department, Medical Microbiology, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe (FTHG)_

Prof. Muhammad Manga discussed the crucial role of education in shaping the future. He shared his own journey in the medical field, stressing perseverance, discipline, and the need for continuous learning. He encouraged the youth to pursue education with passion, particularly in fields like science and technology, which are vital for societal development.

Prof. Manga also spoke on the importance of giving back to the community, especially in healthcare and service sectors, to improve the quality of life.

3. Malama Aziza Idris

_Author_

Malama Aziza Idris inspired the audience with her journey as a writer. She shared her experiences as a storyteller and how literature can be a powerful tool for self-expression and societal influence.

Malama Aziza encouraged young people to explore their creative sides and not to shy away from pursuing careers in the arts, literature, and other creative fields. As author of 30 books and also specialist in gudiance and counselling,

her message revolved around using writing and creativity as tools for advocacy and positive change.

4. Moderator: Ameer Abdullahi A. Lamido

_Chairman, Zakah and Waqf Foundation Gombe_

The session was moderated by Ameer Abdullahi A. Lamido, who steered the discussion expertly, ensuring the panelists covered a broad range of topics relevant to the youth. His thought-provoking questions prompted deep reflections from both the panelists and the participants.

Throughout the session, the panelists provided valuable insights on several key areas:

• The Role of Mentorship: All panelists underscored the importance of having mentors and role models who guide young people in both personal and professional aspects of life. They shared examples from their own experiences, highlighting how mentorship has shaped their careers and personal development.

• Overcoming Challenges: The session also addressed the need to overcome challenges and adversity. The panelists shared personal stories of struggles and resilience, encouraging the youth to remain steadfast and patient as they strive for success.

The event ended with a call to action for the youth to be proactive in seeking mentorship, to focus on their education and personal development, and to contribute to societal progress through community involvement.