Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, yesterday urged government at all levels to step up efforts at addressing the challenge of youth unemployment.

He said youth employment and engagement remains the only panacea to tackle the insecurity in Nigeria and ensure peace and harmony in the land.

The emir spoke while addressing worshippers at the Ilorin Central Eid praying ground.

The prayer session, which was attended by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed was held under tight security. Many worshippers had to trek for about one kilometre to the Eid ground as vehicles were barred from the premises.

Addressing his subjects shortly after the two-Rakat prayer led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Dr. Mohammed Bashir Salihu, the emir acknowledged government's efforts on youth employment, but added that more still need to be done to address the challenge.

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, he urged people of the state not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs to foment trouble, pointing out that recent violent clashes in Ilorin were perpetrated by political thugs from outside the state.

Sulu- Gambari charged Nigerians to love one another, irrespective of religious or ethnic affinities, adding that the Sallah period should be used to reflect on how Nigeria can overcome its challenges.

"Let us love one another. Let us be kind to the needy, especially orphans, widows, among others. There is strength in unity, there is peace in love and there is growth in patriotism", he said.