NAN-H-95
Governance
Abuja, July 26, 2017 (NAN) A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Initiative for Dialogue and Development (IDD), has decried the ratio of young persons in governance in the country, saying it was unjust and anti-development.
The group, in a communiqué at the end of its Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, said the youths low presence in government was at all levels and described it as unbalanced, non-inclusive and unacceptable.
The communiqué was signed by IDD Chairman, Dr Ike Neliaku and Ms Ruqayya Ibrahim, Project Coordinator, Youths Exchange Dialogue Assembly.
The group said that the assembly, which had “Nigeria Tomorrow’’ as theme, was convened to deepen the democratic process through civic education, citizen engagement, volunteers and youth participation in governance.
It demanded a re-structuring in the country targeted at greater inclusion of youths in governance.
It expressed support for the “Not-too-young-to-run” Bill currently before the National Assembly.
“We wish to affirm that `Not-too-Young-to-Run’ is the legislation we seek and `Not-too-Young-to-Lead’ is our advocacy tool for engagement.
“We recognise that youths are in need of requisite skills, information and knowledge to participate in greater numbers in nation-building efforts.
“A `Replacement Generation’ with competitive edge that will make the nation relevant in the 21st Century needs the right platforms for informed decision- making and participation in the political process.’’
The group pointed out that youths as the prime and essential population in Nigeria, would require leadership training, value re-orientation and responsible mentorship from credible, patriotic and visionary leaders in private and public sectors.
It said that Nigerian youths needed steadfastness and commitment to new and inclusive political paradigms and a cross-cultural perspective that sought “unity and not uniformity, working towards one nation under God”.
They advocated new models and strategies for greater participation of young people in civic activities such as voting, volunteering, holding public officials accountable and being active in governance processes.
“We wish to affirm `Nigeria First’ as our guiding principle and in nation-building predicated on the guidance and experiences of the older generation.”
It said that it also believed in synergising with the energies and creativity of the youths to progressively lead the path of growth in the country.
According to it, ideas, technology and innovation are key growth drivers in today’s digital economy, and we affirm the use of social media as productive and positive platforms to foster growth and development.
The group endorsed the call for more youths to become entrepreneurs, saying that the private sector, largely driven by small and medium scale businesses was the engine room of most thriving economies around the world today.
It therefore, urged all young people to “think global and act local” in starting up or scaling up their businesses as young entrepreneurs. (NAN)
ATAB/OPI/OPI