Plateau LG Polls: Seek elective positions, NGO tells youths

A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Community Action for Population Participation (CAPP), has urged Plateau State youths to seek elective positions in the forthcoming

local government elections slated for Feb. 17, 2018 in the state.
Acting Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Neslson Ananze, gave the advice at a one-day youth summit on Saturday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit, organised by CAPP, was supported by Actionaid Nigeria, BBC Media Action and Ukaid.
Ananze said that all great nations of the world became successful because they had vibrant and positive minded youths who pushed for great things to happen.
“The youths are the pillar on which most great countries stand; they are the huge resources that most nations depend on to develop.

“Once you have a positive minded youth, you will certainly have a great nation. Docile youths will lead a nation nowhere.
“This is why we are calling on the youths in Plateau to participate actively in the electoral process; they should vie for political positions in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

“It is only when they take up leadership positions that they can change the narrative that will change the fortunes of the state and the country as a whole,” Ananze said.
The director cautioned the youths against thuggery and advised them to constantly demand accountability from their elected representatives.

According to him, this will encourage optimal performance by public office holders and also make the political realm better.
Speaking at the event, a consultant with an international NGO, Search for Common Ground (SFCG) Nigeria, Mr Pwakim Jacob, admonished youths to pursue courses that were beneficial to all and not parochial interests.

He also advised them to adopt civil rather than violent methods in seeking for accountability from their elected representatives, as that would yield better results.

“Young people should move beyond combatant approach in seeking accountability; they must use reasoning rather than emotions in asking for the right things to be done,” he advised.
NAN reports that youth leaders from various communities as well as religious and socio-cultural groups attended the event.

Patrick Okohue with Agency Report