By Stephen Adeleye.
Nigerian youths have been called upon to actively participate in decision-making and governance to drive the country’s rapid growth and development.
This call was made by Dr Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, the Country Director of Nigeria Youths Future Fund, at a workshop organized by the organization’s North Central zone in Lokoja.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening Youth Participation in Open Government Participation (OGP) Process in Nigeria,” aimed to incorporate young Nigerians into decision-making and governance.
Agbiti-Douglas noted that youths make up 60-70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, presenting an opportunity for active participation in politics and decision-making.
She highlighted the importance of Open Government Participation in holding government accountable and tapping into the knowledge of older generations to move the nation forward.
Agbiti-Douglas emphasised that working together is key to success and development, and that the workshop’s focus on young Nigerians would ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative, Mr Okutepa Aminu-Useni, said the workshop would inspire participants to be passionate about their society and voice out for positive change.
Mr Tijani Abdulkareem, Executive Director of Socio Economic Research and Development Center (SEDEC), explained that the workshop was part of a zonal initiative to engage young people in developing the National Action Plan, an OGP document that outlines government commitments to transparency, extractive transparency, anti-corruption, and other areas benefiting citizens.
“The workshop marked a significant step towards empowering Nigerian youths to participate in governance and decision-making processes,” he said.
Participants at the workshop demanded proper funding of education, youth employment, favorable policies for economic stability, and total implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.
Mrs Zaniab Aliyu, a participant, described the workshop as a catalyst for empowerment, advocacy for girls’ education, and rights.
She thanked the organizers for sensitizing youths on the importance of participation in governance.
