- says future is now
SUNRISE NEWS, Lagos, Aug 12, 2020 The Action Democratic Party (ADP), has asserted that the Nigerian youth’s future is now not tomorrow.
ADP in its International Youth Day Message, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Prince Adelaja Adeoye calls for more infusion of the youths in the nation’s governance machinery,citing this as a key driver of developments as evident in other climes.
Adelaja further lauded Nigerian youths for their creativity, ingenuity and great exploits both home and abroad.
ADP stressed further that the contribution of young people to Nigerian’s National development is immeasurable and that their voting strength determines the outcome of all elections in the country.
“The theme of 2020 International Youth Day is “Youth Engagement for Global Action” to change the sour narratives about governance in developing countries like Nigeria.
“On this year’s celebration, we must realize that, what is needed is increased efforts to promote youth participation and commitment in politics, governance and leadership.
“More services aimed at youth; more parental involvement; more education and information, using schools and other sites of socialization; more protection for girls, orphaned children and young women;and more partnerships with people with HIV and AIDS and more recently Covid 19 pandemics.
“In order to actualize this years theme in Nigeria, the Action Democratic Party calls on all the youth to join ADP, which was formed to bring action to governance and eliminate lackluster, incoherence, rudderless and directionless in the present APC led government in Nigeria.
“ADP believes in the democratic emancipation of the youths as part of its founding ideologies, party constitution and cardinal objectives, which has clearly been demonstrated in the percentage of the elected executives and key appointment of officers from ward to National level.
This shows that Nigerians only pay a lip service to its objective, it is there in the party’s constitution, that 25% of all elective positions be allocated to youths, we are calling on them to join ADP and take their rightful positions.
“The truth is that, no nation can survive or make any meaningful progress democratically, technologically or economically without the input of youths, therefore a day like this should remind us as a people that, our young people must be given all the support and attention they deserve.
These things can be possible with the right collaborative efforts, amongst the key stakeholders, government and parents, so that the “Youth Engagement for Global Action” can be a reality.
He added that in Nigeria, young people must continue to be good ambassadors of their country not just because they are the key symbol of our National cohesion, but the future they yearn for is already before them.
A former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Hanan stated that the youth should be at the forefront of global change and innovation.
When empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If, however, they are left on society’s margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.
Youth voice is crucial to the overall effectiveness of service- learning programs. Youth voice has a tremendous impact on program participation and program outcomes, both short term and long term.
“Realizing the promise of this generation means investing far more in young people’s inclusion, participation, organizations and initiatives.
Consequently, youths feel their voice is valued and that they have an impact to play.
“Youth involvement has moved forward. It is no longer seen as a rebellious act, the way it was a few decades ago.