The Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju (SAN), has harped on the need for youths to participate actively in politics and governance for the development of Nigeria.
Olagunju said this at the second edition of Ibadan Youth Summit, organised by Ibadan Prime Youths Forum ( CCII Youth Wing), held at Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
In his keynote address, Olagunju titled, “Before and Beyond 2023: Youth Inclusion in Politics, Governance and Nation Building”, Olagunju revealed that notable personalities had governed the country at a tender age with immense contributions, hence, there is a need for youths to see themselves as contributing factor to the development of Nigeria.
Emphasising the need for youths to affiliate with preferred political parties and participate actively in programmes and activities of such parties, if they want to have an impact on governance, Olagunju admonished them to make hard work, self-discipline and integrity their watchword to attain greater heights in life.
Calling on youth to desist from election manipulation during the election period, he called on youths and entire residents of the state who are yet to collect their permanent voter’s cards to take advantage of the ongoing PVC distribution by INEC without further delay.
His words, ”We have legends who attained leadership positions as a youth in Nigeria. Some of them are Herbert Macaulay, who became the founder of the Nigeria National Democratic Party at the age of 29 and Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the Former President of Nigeria, who became a Minister at the age of 27. At 27 in 2019, Seun Fakorede became the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State. The Current Speaker in Oyo State, Right Hon. Debo Ogundoyin is one of the youngest Honourable Speakers in Nigeria. Also, Chief Omololu Oluloyo, the Former Governor of Oyo State, was a Commissioner at the age of 27. These people attained the positions not because they are youths, but because they are fit, intelligent and merited the positions.”
“I encourage you not to lose your integrity for no reason and see yourself as a contributing factor to the development of this country. The power that you have is your PVC, without your PVC you cannot achieve anything. INEC has commenced the distribution of PVC from 12th December 2022 to 22nd January 2023. It is forbidden for anyone without a PVC to be or get closer to the polling unit on election day. So, I urge you to go and collect your PVC, stay away from violence, vote buying and election manipulation during the general elections”, he concluded.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Oyo State Road- Traffic Management Agency (OYRTMA), Mogaji Akin Fagbemi, called for the unity of purpose among the youths for a better tomorrow.
Fagbemi, who spoke through the General Manager of the Agency, Adeoye Ayoade, said it was essential for the youths to do the needful by taking good decisions at the appropriate time.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of journalists, Oyo State Council, Comrade Ademola Babalola, who coordinated the discussion, said that the ‘ Not Too Young To Run Act” has put an end to some of the challenges confronting the youths to be part of decision-makers in the country.
Babalola, who spoke through his vice, Comrade Seye Ojo , advised the youths to identify with a political party that its ideology conforms with their beliefs with a view to delivering good governance for citizens.
Earlier, the National Coordinator, Ibadan Prime Youths Forum, Dr Oluwatunmise Adeagbo, said the primary focus of the association is to empower both the indigenes and residents of Ibadanland with skills needed to excel in their chosen careers.
He noted that the association would continue to partner with individuals and organisations to further achieve its vision.
The event featured free medical outreach, questions and answers on the topic of discussion amongst others.
