Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has called for increased youth participation in leadership and governance.
Speaking at a one-day round table for youth-focused organizations and media in Lokoja on Friday, the Executive Director of CHRCR, Comrade Idris Miliki, noted that youths make up over 60% of the population of Kogi State and its voting power.
He said youths electoral strength must translate to elective and appointive positions in the state.
Miliki berated Kogi state government for its failure to put machinery put in place to conduct local government elections before the expiration of the current elected council officials that expires on December 14, 2023, adding that the situation is a deprivation of opportunities for youths to participate in governance and leadership at local levels.
He said one of the goals of CHRCR is to improve the participation of young people in governance and leadership in Kogi State.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kogi Youth Development Commission, James Ozomata Lawal, commended CHRCR for always being at the forefront in championing the course of youth in Kogi State.
Represented by Nazif Yusuf, the Kogi Youth Development Commission Chairman called on youths in Nigeria to speak out in one voice towards achieving leadership positions in the country, stressing that there is a need for them to always distance themselves from all social vices such as violence, crimes of thuggery, armed robbery, and many more.
Participants commended Governor Yahaya Bello-led administration for the establishment of Kogi State Youth Development Commission.
While calling on National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) to be more effective in mobilizing and advocating the issues of youths and young persons in leadership position, they noted that there are several youth focused government agencies and department working at cross purposes.
They called on Kogi state government to allocate more resources to the Youth Development Commission to improve their effectiveness in addressing youth-related issues in the state, adding that the state budget process needs to be more participatory, involving youth focused organizations.
Participants submitted that there is need for consistent and periodic elections at local government levels in accordance with relevant laws and constitutional provisions as at when due to strengthen the platform for youth participation in political governance and leadership.
Highlight of the one-day round table was the unveiling of ‘Inspiring Youth for Leadership Network’.
The Round Table commended the continuous engagement of relevant stakeholders towards youth leadership in the state, and the continuous support of The Nigeria Women Trust Fund and The Mac Authur Foundation.
