Arguably, the place of youths in the socio-economic and political development of any society can never be doubted. Nigerian youths and their involvement in the anti-colonial struggles marked the threshold in the promotion of youths inclusiveness in governance for development.
The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Development Agenda For Western Nigeria (DAWN), Engr. Adekunle Olayinka made this assertion at a youth town hall meeting organized by the Progressive Youth Movement (South West) at the AB Civic Centre, Adebayo, Ado- Ekiti, Ekiti State on Friday 22nd October, 2021.
Addressing a cross section of youth participants, Hon. Olayinka noted that the need for promoting youth inclusiveness in governance for development had been an age long and cherished agenda of successive governments in Nigeria. Recalled that the current administration in its resolve to further realize youth inclusiveness in governance for development assented to the “Not Too Young to Run” bill as passed by the National Assembly. He further emphasized,that the need to take ownership of the nation’s political landscape requires more than mere advocacy and rhetoric, but a more clinical approach aimed at positioning the youths rightly for the tasks ahead of them.
He charged them to position themselves to be counted worthy of being trusted with the governance of the nation now or never.He equally encouraged them to display a deeper sense of patriotism and maturity.
Finally, he tasked the youths to actively participate in all electioneering processes: from voter registration to party membership, engaging leaders positively, voting responsibly and getting involved in social activities that support credible governance.
Dignitaries at the Town Hall meeting included: The Vice President; Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,
Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesy,King Tsola Emiko, Olu of Warri, among others.
