Amaechi, Fayemi, others want youths in politics
Nigerian youths have been tasked to participate more in the political system of Nigeria in order to witness a developmental growth under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal government. Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, who gave the admonition at the weekend in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said the importance of youths to Nigeria democratic system cannot be shunned. Amaechi, who was also represented by the Senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial district, Ajayi Borroffice, noted that the youths would not be neglected in the present government of the APC. The Minister spoke at a youth programme tagged: “The Roles of the Youth as Progressive Change Agents” organised by All Progessives Congress (APC) Youth League, Southwest Zone of the country. He said that more participation of the youths in the politics would help enhance them to map out strategies and ideas that could fast-track the change mantra of the All progressives Congress led government. “We need more youths in all legislative houses both at state level and federal level because they are agents of progressive change” Amaechi said. He added that over 70 per cent of Nigerians were youths who have various potentials and could contribute to the development of the country but expressed dismay that most of them were unemployed. The Transport Minister, however, noted that the incumbent All Progressives Congress at the federal level was fully determined to make amendment and provide more jobs for the youths in the country. “If we do not start to build on youths now for future, then Nigeria will be in danger and it is left for our leaders to use youths in driving development and goals. “There are characteristics of youths that must be employed to make the future brighter,” he said. Earlier, Minister of Mine and Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said that the youths should constitute themselves into opinion groups that would shape the country for better. Fayemi, who was represented by Mr Abiodun Omoleye, added that they should prepare for leadership role and not be used as political thugs, saying that they should stand up for their right because leadership starts now.
The Southwest coordinator of APC Youth League, Adeoye Aribasoye, stated that youths should not be used and dumped by politicians after election but be engaged in profitable business that could promote enhance their potentials.
Aribasoye commended the federal government led by President Mohammadu Buhari for initiating youth related empowerment Programmes in the country but asked that such should be made to cut across board. He advised government to address unemployment in the country by making provisionds for entrepreneurial skill and make environment conducive for the youth. Abayomi Adesanya, the Ondo State Publicity secretary, also called for more youths participation in politics to better shape government policies and have a stake in the development of the country.
Adesanya said although most young people shaped the socio-economy and government policies all over the world but bemoaned that the society was not in their favor because they were not voted for to participate in the political process.
