BY OYE AGUNBIADE
Youths are catalysts for revamping the political space and their dynamism capable of transforming public institutions.
This was the submission of some youths in Akure, Ondo state while expressing their beliefs in the Nigerian project on the occasion of this year’s international youth day
Obviously this position is not unconnected with the reason behind the adoption of International youth day by the United Nations as a way of creating awareness for the contributions of the youths in addressing global issues
The youths who spoke with Radio Nigeria in view of this year’s theme: “Youth Engagement for global action” berated lip service paid to allowing youths participate in politics and public institutions.
A youth leader Adewumi Adetoun said that moneybag politics and unemployment were notable challenges hindering youths contributions to global development.
Buttressing this, the Ondo state coordinator, Niger delta Anti-corruption network, Mr Martin mary-falana who noted that emerging realities had placed powers on the oars of the youths said Nigerian youths would transform every area of the nation if well engaged and provided with enabling environment.
Mary- Falana observed that technological ingenuity on the part of contemporary youths would displace most bureaucratic proceedings that cause delay in the public service and facilitate governance
An advocate of “Not too young to rule” and Secretary of the Ondo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic party, Mr Olujimi Oluseye who pleaded for the involvement of more youths in politics said impacts of few youths that had been tested was indicative of a need for paradigm shift in the nations politics.
On his part, The speaker Nigerian youth Parliament, Mr Mubarak Mijinyawa however called on the youths to begin their little contribution from their immediate communities while also charging them to team up as a united youth to address issues better with a common front.
Mr Mijinyawa called on older politicians and leaders to respect, give audience and counsel to the youths to engender smooth handover from the older generation to the younger generation.
The Speaker also called on youths to embrace honesty and integrity in whatever position they find themselves
Other youths who spoke with Radio Nigeria said their dream of Involving in local, national and global development would see the light of the day if enabling policies were enacted.