THE NEXUS BETWEEN YOUTH CIVIC PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT A KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY COMR. PRINCE VICTOR, KEYNOTE SPEAKER.

16th, February 2022 By Adewale Johnson (Gemid Vanguard) PROTOCOL: His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON Former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria ably represented by his Special Adviser on Youth and Strategy, Hon Dr Ahmed Adamu PhD. Distinguished members of the National Assembly, Represented by their various aides. His Highness, Prince Bryan President, Bryan Foundation. Barrister Joyce Kalu, Principal owner, Joyce Kalu Chambers. Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Laddies and Gentlemen. Please accept most sincere greetings from me and from the good people of Lagos State. It is indeed a special privilege for me to be given this opportunity to address you all in these seminar in the capacity of a keynote Speaker. Introduction Let me begin this keynote address by stretching that no country survives without the youths, we are the workforce and live wire as well as the indispensable components in the survival of every country, young people should therefore channel their energy, creativity and aspirations to become political leaders and activists. Now, despite making up more than half of the population in Nigeria, young people (ages 18-30) often find themselves marginalized from mainstream politics and decision making. They struggle to gain the respect of public officials and are seen as lacking the skills and experience to engage in political activity and lead positive change in their communities. This exclusion, combined with limited educational and economic opportunities, can leave young people both idle and frustrated with the status quo. Today’s youth need real opportunities to participate in political processes and contribute to practical solutions that advance development. When given an opportunity to organize, voice their opinions and play a meaningful role in political decision making, young people consistently demonstrate their willingness and ability to foster positive, lasting change. They also become more likely to demand and defend democracy, and gain a greater sense of belonging. For political systems to be representative, all parts of society must be included. When young people are disenfranchised or disengaged from political processes, a significant portion of the population has little or no voice or influence in decisions that affect group members' lives. A key consequence is the undermining political systems' representativeness. To make a difference in the longer term, it is essential that young people are engaged in formal political processes and have a say in formulating today's and tomorrow's politics. Inclusive political participation is not only a fundamental and democratic right but also is crucial to building stable and peaceful societies and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of younger generations. For young people to be adequately represented in political institutions, processes, and decision making, and in particular in elections, they must know their rights and be given the necessary knowledge and capacity to participate in a meaningful way at all levels. In new and emerging democracies, the inclusion of youths in formal political processes is important from the start. Young people's active contributions can bring democratic values to life, leading to the overturning of authoritarian practices. In countries where young people led protests that have constrained authoritarian regimes from power, they are likely to feel significant frustration if they are not included in new formal decision-making procedures. This can destabilize democratization and accelerate conflict dynamics. I therefore call on young people to channel their energy, creativity and aspirations and become political leaders and activists. Programs build young people’s skills, knowledge and confidence while helping them more effectively express their voices, build relationships with political leaders, and break down socio-cultural and institutional barriers to participation. I beseech the youths today to support a cause they are passionate about, it is something never to regret, it will enrich your life, familiarize you with your community, and connect you to people and ideals that will positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life. I want to enjoin the youths to torchlight a political party that aligns with their values, where your cause will be magnificent with people's oriented ideologies and policies. It will aid youth active participation and recognition in politics because youths participation in politics goes beyond being a PA, SA, Media aides and all, it is all about taking the bull by the horn and leading with quintessential examples. I urge you all this day to always contribute your quota to nation building and development and remain resolute in your quest for indelible career excellence. Thank you for your avowed audience. Best Regards, Prince Victor | Political Analyst | Media Influencer.

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