2023: University Don urges youth to pay less attention to diversity and foster unity
Mohammed Kaka Misau
Nigerian youth have been advised to pay less attention to ethnic, religious and other differences and focus on issues that can unite the citizens.
A university lecturer, Dr. Adamu Sulaiman Usman gave the advice on Saturday while addressing hundreds of youth during a Summit which was held at Baptist Church Yandoka Road Bauchi.
Hon. Adamu who described youths as the backbone of any giving society, urged them to help in championing the cause of peace and development of Nigeria.
He said that the call becomes imperative, given the reality that Nigeria is heading to the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the Programme was in the interest of the youth to realize that there is the need for increased participation of young people in political processes and governance.
The summit which was convened by a religious inclined group, United Christian Youth Progressive Forum had Dr. Adamu Sulaiman as the Guest speaker who spoke on the topic: ‘Youths’ Political Participation and their Role in Achieving Peaceful Elections’.
Dr. Adamu Sulaiman, a lecturer at Bingham University, said as the General Election is fast approaching the challenge before the youth is to take charge of their future by electing those who believe in Nigeria’s unity and can promote peace and progress.
The university lecturer, therefore enjoined the youth not to elect persons who can erect ethnic walls and religious barriers among the Nigerian people.
He further explained that if Nigerians will work together and accommodate their differences, allow equality and justice reign, the country will move forward.
“We can build a nation that everybody will have a sense of belonging, and everyone’s rights will be guaranteed”, said.
Dr. Adamu Sulaiman pointed out that the active participation of youth in democratic structures and representative institutions is decisive in guaranteeing the legitimacy, credibility and operation of democratic systems.
He challenged the leadership of the group to cooperate with other groups at the local and regional levels so as to find a way forward towards achieving meaningful political participation.
While highlighting the changing face of youth political engagement in the 21st century, Dr Adamu explained that young people are engaging differently.
According to him, there is a wider gap between political institutions’ and young people, adding that young people are facing unemployment, job insecurity, difficult transitions to work and adult life.
“They are increasingly disenchanted and feel marginalized from the political process”, he said.
The guest speaker noted that the summit was meant to sensitize the youth to the current realities and re-awaken their responsiveness to politics for political gains and development.
Other aim, Dr. Adamu said include, the need, especially for everyone of voting age to get their PVC and be ready to vote come 2023.
He observed that for the country to progress, young people must be included in democratic structures and processes, have their voices heard and make decisions on issues that impactful to them.
He insisted that active participation of youth in politics and governance is essential for Nigeria to build more democratic, caring and prosperous societies.
“It is at the local and regional levels that a culture of youth participation can most effectively take root and thrive”, Dr Adamu stressed.
He charged policy makers, Captains of industries to make necessary arrangements for youth to have rights, means, space, opportunity and support toward nation building.
In his goodwill message, National President of the group Mr. Joniga Edward, said under his leadership the group has conducted series of activities this year in some state geared toward active participation of young people in civic life as a means of securing social cohesion and anchoring democratic principles in a society based on respect for human rights.
The president maintained that the approach was borne out of the resolution of the national Executive to encourage the participation of young people in the electioneering process.
Mr. Joniga Edward, revealed that the quest for Nigeria’s unity can be achieved, adding that it, however requires all stakeholders to work in synergy and imbibe the principle of nationhood above ethnic and religious inclinations.
“Nigeria as a country should know that we need to review certain things,” he said.
The leader of the group noted that Nigeria cannot become slaves to its challenges provided that the people work together.
The president of the group who expressed believe Nigerians can build a nation where everyone will have a sense of belonging, said that the country needs a knowledge-based society with youths playing active roles in the government structure of the country.
