Experts in Nigeria say, “only if reasonable youths are engaged in governance, every deteriorating state of living would be a thing of the history.”
A day after Nigeria’s Independence Day, some prominent individuals alongside the leaders of Platform for Youth and Women Development gathered in Abuja, to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day on the 2nd October.
The gathering according to the communique sent to Prime Time News on Saturday by the Executive Director of the organization, Kingdom Ogoegbunam, was aimed at deliberating on the measures that will actualize the inclusiveness of youth and women in the system of governance.
Former governor of Niger state, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who was one of the guests at the function, charged youth in the country to participate actively in partisan politics and to challenge gerontocracy and the current trajectory that pushes youth to the background of the scheme of things in the country.
Mu’azu wassaid to have spoken on the topic; “Roles of Youth and Women in Politics, Economy and Social Development”.
He argued that a nation that excludes it’s younger population from it’s national agenda for development, run the risks of underdevelopment and stagnation.
He charged stakeholders to allow women inclusiveness and contributions in political and economic development of the nation.
Bello Shagari, the former President National Youth Council of Nigeria President stressed on the strength in unity of the youths and women and the impact they can make in developing Nigeria’s economy and wellbeing.
On her part, Rev. Mrs Ogechi Odikanwa says young people should venture more into politics and political roles and the women must engage actively in political affairs of the nation.
Addressing Newsmen after the event, the Executive Director of the Platform for Youth and Women Development Kingdom Ogoegbunam urged the youths to shun behaviors likened to divide the country.
He urged the Federal Government and the United Nations to be more proactive in partnerships and collaborations with Youth and Women based Organizations as he says it’s the bedrock and foundation of any society.
Mr. Kingdom also urged youth inclusiveness in the cabinet and in elective offices.
The event was graced by many people including Senior Special Assistant to Anambra State Governor, Nonso Nwaebili, YPP AMAC Chairman Candidate, Micheal Odoh, Non-Governmental Organizations, National Youth Service Corps members, International Organizations amongst others.
