Politics
THE National Youth Leaders’ Forum of Political Parties in Nigeria (NYLFPPN) has unveiled a four-year action plan on promoting youth political participation in the country.
The forum, made up of youth leaders across all political parties in the country, inaugurated the document on Monday in Abuja.
The document was developed in partnership with Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) under the the Nigeria Open Political Party (NOPP) project.
The goals of the plan include establishment of party youth wing, definition of a youth as someone between the ages of 18 and 35, free waivers for youth aspirants and 35 per cent affirmation in all parties for youths.
Some of the other goals are ensuring implementation of Not-too-young-to-run Act, representation of youth in governace structure, establishment of youth clubs in high institutions of learning, ensuring international best practices.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Chairman of the forum, Amb. Muhammed Musa, said that the occasion marked a significant milestone in the journey towards advancing inclusive policies and practices within the political landscape.
“Recognising the immense potential and invaluable perspectives of our youth, this initiative seeks to empower and engage young leaders from across political parties, equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to shape the future of our nation.
“Today’s public presentation of the action plan is a culmination of months of diligent collaboration, extensive research, and thoughtful deliberation.
“This comprehensive roadmap outlines a clear and actionable framework for promoting youth participation, fostering gender equality, and enhancing the overall inclusivity within political parties.
“As we gather here today, let us acknowledge the pivotal role that our youths play in shaping the destiny of our nation.
“Their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives are invaluable assets that must be harnessed and nurtured,” he said.
in his remarks, the Country Director of WFD, Mr Adebowale Olorunmola, said that young people must rise to take over leadership and work.
He said that the action plan was just a step and urged the youth to work towards its implementation to be represented in governance.
“Young people need to organise more, we need to network more among ourselves, we need to be more focused on the issues in the political terrain that we need to engage so that we don’t play politics as usual but politics with results.
“We need to make a departure from politics of money to politics of service and politics of results. Again, we need to be very deliberate with our plan. And we need to take ownership of the process,” he said.
The country director charged media practitioners and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to support the forum in its efforts to implement the action plan.
He said that WFD was set up to support democratic institutions and pledged the commitment of the organisation for the forum. (NAN)
26th March, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: National Youth Leaders’ Forum of Political Parties in Nigeria Nigeria Open Political Party NOPP NYLFPPN Westminster Foundation for Democracy WFD
