A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Na'Abba, has lamented that Nigerian political leaders have destroyed the future of the Nigerian youth by refusing to allow the political and socio-economic system to grow.

Na'Abba made the observation at “The Fixing Nigerian National Youth Conference 4.0” organised by the Earnest and Ibrahim Foundation with the theme: '2023- Engagement Strategies For A Better Nigeria.”

According to Na’Abba, the system was wasting the youth who are the future, courtesy of some political leaders for personal gains.

He said: “Soon after the democratic system started, few people, mainly heads of the executive arm of the states and Federal governments, colluded and seized the political system.

“The Nigeria of our dreams entails that which its youth live in security, peace and harmony; where every citizen is gainfully employed, where every citizen enjoys robust health, where everyone is treated justly and equitably.”

“They obliterated internal democracy within the political parties, thereby taking away from the people what rightfully belongs to the people. Since then, it is this set of people that decide who becomes what in this country.

“Almost no one is allowed to play any important role in the polity unless these people so desire. This singular action by the power-hungry people have had disastrous consequences on the polity, amongst them, the denial of the youth to have a voice and space in the polity."

Speaking further, the former Speaker noted that nothing today was more important than to find a way to ensure the relevance of the youth, not just to be politically relevant but to continue to be so, respecting their dignity, as a situation where the youth see themselves as second or third class citizens is not acceptable.

“Our effort, more importantly, is to desire and establish a more viable, inclusive, efficient and effective political system; a return to the era of internal democracy within our political parties is vital,” Na-Abba, said.

Hon. Muntari Dandutse, member of the House of Representatives, on his part, reiterated that the discourse was happening at time the agitations of the youth was relatable, adding that there was a need for mentorship as the youth have to be brought up to speed on the happenings as it concerned governance.

Dandutse noted that “in Nigeria, the youth is about 65 to 70 per cent of the population, constituting the larger populace and can change the polity. The youth is the key and engine of progress; they can be used as a tool to work on landmark projects. They should be ambassadors for peace and desist from violence and activities that create more harm to the society. They should be drivers in moving the country forward.”

Ambassador Chibuzo Okereke, Co-Convener of the conference, stated that a lot of people were ignorant about things going on in government and about governance. He said the strategy was to engage for 2023 to get more youth involved, as It is said that Nigeria was practising electoral democracy and not democracy in the real sense.

“This conference has been going on for the last four years and it is based on trying to find a level ground and an avenue for education. Conversation like this helps to fix a lot of issues we are experiencing in the country today. And this makes change possible as change is a process and not a one-time action,” he said.

In his presentation entitled “Noise or Impact,” Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director, Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), said that all that needed to happen was a mass education that drives people away from noise and into that which creates impact.

“We need to educate ourselves, especially documents that have to do with the policies of engagement as most young people are not interested in reading mostly documents that enlighten them on governance.

“Much of the noise is going on, as young people like glamour. Dubious benevolence has created no opportunity for excellence, as aspiration is now criminalised.

“Now, the moving trend in primaries is emerging consensus candidate as high economically standing individuals buys all available forms then gift it to whoever they desired, be it a competent or incompetent individual. This will continue to create more 'ass-licking' and not people of impact.

“Knowledge is lacking and ignorance is parading around. What do you know about the polity? Do you know the reason for the naira devaluation? There is a need for education and I am not talking about going to school. Our problem is that we have glorified public office, they are people who should run in office and then others challenge those in office," he stressed.

Jeanette Washington, an activist from USA, stated the power of the masses was greater than people in power. When at the decision making table, an inclusive agenda should be engaged imbibing the beliefs of all, also noting the need to make partners with the youth as the future.

Mr. Ernest Nwosu, the Convener, explained that the overall goal of the #FixingNigeria 4.0 Conference was for lawmakers, policy makers, CSOs and the media to share ideas on youth engagement as it concerns the active, empowered and intentional partnership with youth, stakeholders, problem solvers and change agents in their communities and to proffer strategies targeted at nation building for a better Nigeria.

“There is a portentous transition looming that will see a generation of patriots and nationalists rise from the brightest and an often ignored percentage of our populace; a great movement of youth that will build upon the foundations set by past and present leaders to create a Nigeria driven by selfless, visionary leadership and strong institutions deeply set in strong democratic doctrine, ethics and values that will promote patriotism,” he said.

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