By Onyekachi Eze
As the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has issued certificates of return to elected persons across the country, with President Muhammadu Buhari and Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as President-elect and governor-elect of Imo State respectively, the President of the International Youth Parliament, IYP, Hon. Engr. Promise Anurika Nwadigos has urged the duo to consider intellectual youths in the scheme of things.
Nwadigos made the passionate appeal yesterday, while examining possible ways of repositioning the Country and Imo State for even growth and development of the citizenry.
He charged them to work harmoniously with the right team by appointing young intellectuals into their cabinets so as to drive the Country’s and State economy to its crescendo.
The IYP President frowned at the perceived marginalisation of youths in decision making processes in the Country, giving instances with other Countries of the World.
Nwadigos said the marginalisation of youths in the African continent has continued to threaten the chances and preparedness of youths to in taking over the leadership positions across board.
“Today, IYP is working so hard in recognition of youth as the powerful agent that drives progressive changes in the society globally, yet too many African young intellectuals are left behind in the business of governance of their various countries”.
While reminding the elected leaders on the importance of queueing in the global International Youth day theme, Nwadigos, said it would afford all the opportunity of discussing extensively on how to tackle the marginalisation issue which has eaten deep in leadership pattern of the country.
“Despite the consistently low performance of our retiring leaders, African youth interest in politics is waxing stronger and should be given an opportunity.”
In the same vein, he commended the achievement of the former Presidents of the United States of America, Barack Obama, Late President Gaddafi and the Former Nigeria’s President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for their interest and believe in the African youths, even though he clamoured for more work in achieving the desired participation of the youth in governance.
“spaces must be created for automatic participation and inclusion of youth in Buhari’s government”.
Furthermore, the Imo State born activist solicits for access to education, training and decent jobs in order to achieve their potentials.
He promised to empower youths all over the African States in order to produce better youths for good governance.
“It is therefore important to set the records straight by changing the narratives, thereby providing a “safe political space” that gives sense of belonging and adequate representation to the interest of the young African people”.
“Youth unemployment is now a looming crisis and so worrisome, irrespective of the high level of young literates in Africa. High percentage of young Africans find themselves grappling with poverty, early pregnancy, involvement in crime; such as Boko Haram and other challenges due to idleness”.
Nwadigos said the place would have been better if opportunities to give the youths a facelift are considered.
However, he advised the youths to always be seen as good ambassadors not minding the leadership challenges they face, reminding them that the International Youth Parliment has come to wipe their tears.
He said, “endeavour to dream big in vying for political positions in your countries and be ready to receive IYP full support, as this will be the only way we can rescue leadership from the hands of our lovely fathers. We should also know that the youth constitute the highest percentage of African population”.
