Youths tasked to get involved in governance

Nigerian youths have been tasked to get involved in governance of the country as democracy provides them the right platform to have their voice heard and contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

The Country Representative, Westminster Foundation for Democracy Nigeria (WFD), Mr. Adebowale Olorunmola, gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing a youth conference held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos.

According to him, the event was aimed at encouraging youth inclusion in governance and promoting youth voice and interest in parliament.

He added that the objectives of WFD include to advance: youth inclusiveness and accountability, greater political engagement of young people, greater inclusion through women’s political empowerment.

Speaking during the focus group discussion, Olorunmola, said the youth formed the majority among population groups across the country, adding that they should take advantage of that to position themselves in government to foster good governance.

He decried the low participation of youth and women in politics, saying citizens should be well-involved in the nation’s democracy.

Also commenting, WFD’s facilitator, Mrs. Omowunmi Ogunrotimi, urged Nigerian youths to participate actively in government, saying as young people, they should endeavour to have their say on issues that affect them.

Similarly, the Lagos state APC youth speaker, Mr. Muritala Seriki, opined that there are only 3 youth in the Lagos state House of Assembly out of its total 40 members.

“We need to have a platform where youths that aspire to get into political office are trained. The youth needs more orientation,” he said.