International Day of Democracy: CITAD calls for greater youth inclusion in Democracy
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has emphasized the crucial role of engaging youth and children in safeguarding democracy.
The Centre made the call through its Campaigns and Communication Officer, Ali Sabo during a press briefing held today at CITAD’s Kano office.
According to Sabo, during the recent election process, CITAD launched a campaign called “Youth and Women Inclusion in Politics” aimed at advocating for the inclusion of women and youth in political and governance processes.
The project, known as “We-You Pro,” sought to mobilize a significant number of young people and women to campaign for policies that reflect their priorities in Kaduna and Kano States.
Ali further explained that the results of these efforts were promising, with numerous youths and women actively engaging in politics. As Some ran for elected positions, while others joined political parties and played a substantial role in supporting their candidates during the 2023 general elections.
The Communications Officer explained as a token of appreciation, many of these successful politicians appointed these young individuals as assistants, special assistants, special advisers, and even in various government agencies and parastatals.
According to him, CITAD highlights the fact that while these developments are commendable, the number of youth appointed by politicians remains disproportionately low compared to the youth population in the electorates, which accounts for about 61% of the total population.
CITAD equally asserted that this does not align with the active participation and sacrifices made by youth during the election process.
In response, the Centre makes the following calls to politicians in power “to encourage the youth that participated and supported them during their campaigns through effective inclusion into the decision processes of their governments or offices”
“To also know that any decision-making process that neglects 61% of the population of whose decision is taken on their behalf is not an inclusive decision nor is its participatory which democracy is all about.”
“To equally support the teeming youth in their constituencies in terms of their education, economic and social inclusion to ensure that these youth attain their potentials for the betterment of the country”
“As well as to mentor some of the youth with leadership potentials to also begin the journey of political leadership” stated Sabo.
According to Ali, CITAD believes if those in power will support the youth in the above areas youth support for the democratic process will be strengthen and government and political party initiatives will be strongly accepted and the all policies and decisions will we inclusive.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Empowering the Next Generation,” highlights the need for substantial investments in education, skills-building, and lifelong learning to support young people’s active participation in the democratic process.
