Young people and representatives of different political parties in the country had been urged on their roles and responsibility to participating in politics for the development of the country.
The call was made by Ijeoma Okey–Igbokwe, the Head of Department, Voters Education, Independent National Electoral Commission who was one of the speakers at the South West Zonal Presentation of The Youth Agenda on Political and Inauguration of the Nigeria Youth Inter Party Civil Forum said youths are the most advantaged in the society.
“It is heart-warming for us as a commission to see Nigerian youths coming together to talk in the political space. I am glad that the democratic process of this nation is on course. The commission has an esteemed opinion of the youth as observed in their use of corps members as electoral officers which tells us that the youth can do a lot election wise”, she said
Okey–Igbokwe said further that the youth carry so much energy that can transform this nation and appealed to the youths present at forum to take the message to other youths in the rural areas.
“Let’s take this message to them and encourage them to participate in the electoral process” she said.
Representing the State Accountability and Voice Initiative and Department for International Development, Lagos, Kayode Iyalla, said youth groups need to get themselves together to articulate genuine and pro-people needs which would be demanded from political office seekers and all strategies should be deployed to ensure no stone is left unturned.
Iyalla revealed that SAVI support civil society partners to advocate for more inclusive electoral process in Nigeria.
“We are strengthening civil society’s capacity to play their role in voters’ education and participation and will continue to ensure citizens are involved and engaged in preparation for the coming election”
The forum also showcased the unveiling and public presentation of Youth Agenda on Political Participation handbook.
Running the review on the handbook, Mayowa Adeniran, the publisher of Civil Society News identified six major factors that are pertinent to Nigerian youths in the 36 page booklet.
The factors include youth legal frame work, youth affirmative action in political parties , financing youth participation in politics which revolves around, political party structure and administrative procedure, Nigerian youth inter party and civil society forum.
The event that was supported by United Nations Development Program and Democratic Governance for Development Project is third version of the forum that will be held in Lagos.
Event Covered By : Seye Joseph @seyetweets
