Experts Proffer Solutions on How to Encourage Nigerian Youths to Vote During Elections
- Yiaga Africa’s Campus Conversation is where the young students are able to share what they know and believe about Nigeria’s democratic process
- The young Nigerians are also educated on the roles the youth can play in the electoral process and how to improve it with their participation
- Some experts have urged the young students not to sit back and complain, but participate in the electoral process
FCT, Abuja - Experts have called on Nigerian youths to take an interest and participate in the nation's electoral process at all times.
The advice was given at the Campus Conversation on Youth Participation organised by Yiaga Africa at the University of Abuja mini campus Gwagwalada on Tuesday, November 9.
Source: Facebook
Obinna Osisiogu, Convener We Vote, who sat as a panelist at the event, commended the openness the students displayed in sharing their distrust in the political system of the country and recommended participation and more engagement from the youth as a solution to the problem.
He explained that many young people are operating on previous stereotypes about election rigging as an excuse not to vote or run for office and asked that youths get themselves armed with the right information.
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Another panelist at the event, Dr. Ernest Ereke, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Abuja, expounded on the advantages of young people running for office from now and young people voting for them.
His words:
“When young people support young people in the governance process, we are more assured that we have a chance to win and begin to effect the change we want to see.”
When queried by some students about how many young people are already being corrupted by the previous leaders, Panelist Faith Ayegba, Project Coordinator YALI, noted that young people will find it easier to engage other young people if they are in governance.
She said:
“If you really hope to hold your leaders and representatives accountable, would it not be easier to engage them in questions when they are young like you? If we want a better country and the continuity of our democracy, we must begin to ensure that we vote the right people into office and hold them accountable.”
Ndidi Okafor, head, voter education and publicity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the FCT, reminded the students that it is not enough to sit behind their phone keyboards and complain bitterly about the leadership of their country.
She said it is more pertinent for the young ones to get registered, collect their Permanent Voters Cards, and vote during elections.
She also reiterated that the process has become easier with the advent of the online registration portal and urged young students to take advantage of the ease and register.
Yiaga Africa Program Officer Efemena Ozugha and Panel Moderator Affiong Bassey concluded the session by asking the students what they believe their roles should be in the coming electoral processes and bantering on the answers.
While some students indicated their interest to eventually run for office and were encouraged to ensure to register in any accredited political party of their choice, others promised to register as voters and vote for the change they hope to see.
The highlight of the event was over 60 students pledging to make sure they take 10 of their friends each to register and to also vote in the coming elections.
2023: Young Nigerians Launch ‘Run to Win’ Ahead of Polls
In a related development, an initiative, Run To Win movement has been launched by Yiaga Africa, ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Speaking on the initiative, Yiaga Africa's program manager, Cynthia Mbamalu said:
“The Run To Win initiative is basically designed to empower and support young men and women with competence, character, and capacity to run for office. But the idea for Run To Win is not just about contesting, it is also ensuring that the contest and win elections.”
Joyce Daniels, 34 Others Emerge Electher Future Lawmakers Leaders
Meanwhile, Joyce Daniels, a social engineering practitioner, is among the 35 women from across six geo-political zones in Nigeria elected to lead the ElectHER Future Lawmakers Programme.
ElectHER Future Lawmakers Programme is an intensive six-month legislative and leadership development programme, that aims to change the political narrative of representation, especially for women in the country.
Legit.ng gathered that the programme targets legislative and leadership development programme for aspiring female lawmakers between 25 and 45.
Source: Legit.ng
