Ahmad added that aside from playing active roles in governance, youth groups must also serve as veritable watchdogs for the ruling class through their constructive criticism.

The Speaker stated this in his address delivered during the Nigeria Youth Parliament leadership's visit to his office ?as parts of activities before commencing the 1st North Central National Economic Youth Dialogue held in Ilorin on Tuesday.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mathew Okedare, he said that Nigerian youths must utilise whichever opportunity that come their way with a view to making the country better than it is presently.

Ahmad maintained that the dialogue theme "Youth for Sustainable Agricultural Empowerment: Our Future, Our Care" was timely as the focus is presently on diversification of the country's mono economy which is heavily dependent on oil export to agro based one.

"We must all admit that the time to go ?back to agriculture and revolutionise it is now. A nation that cannot feed her citizens but relies on food importation will remain perpetually under developed"

"To join the league of developed and truly independent nations, there must be food security, among other things. We all therefore must support the Federal Government in its efforts towards attaining food security for our dear country", he advised.

Earlier, the Nigerian Youth Parliament Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ayodele Obe had appreciated the House leadership, informing that since the parliament's inauguration in 2008, they have deliberated on various issues affecting the youths and channel way forward for government.

Obe added that the parliament has been a training ground for Nigerian youths ?as their former members have had opportunities to be appointed and elected into various political positions and rendered diligent services.