Stakeholders have counselled the Nigerian youths on the importance of dialogue as a preferred model of revolution and not violent confrontation.
The Guest speaker at the Peace Conference organised by the Christian Youths in Politics (CYP), Rev. Ibikunle Olufemi the Special Adviser on Interfaith Affairs to the Oyo State Governor Mr. Seyi Makinde, blazed the trail while delivering his lecture in Lagos on the theme: “Addressing Societal Failure In Alignment With Political Evolution, Waning Faith Cardinals For A Serene World”.
Rev. Ibikunle emphasized the importance of the youth and the urgent need for them to change their parochial perception about participation in the existing political frames.
He urged them to impact their immediate environment positively in their little way before opting to serve.
Rev Ibikunle said the youths active political participation is a cardinal for them to influence the desired societal change.
“First of all, our faith is not really tied to politics. Our faith makes us to know God but after that we also have a role to play in ensuring that our society thrives. What we need do to bring about development within our society.
“After God the government is next and if we do not join a political party, we cannot aspire for governance position because politics is the forebear of government.
“If there is no political party we cannot have government. So, we ought to joint a party to help bring about development across Nigeria.
“What is expected of us is to illuminate that political gathering with our faith and belief and also influence new growth that will bring about policies which will ease the lives of the people residing within the community. It is the most germane thing for all of us.
“I emphasised the fact that our antecedent before joining a political party matter. It is what endears the people to us and make them sought after us to come and serve the people and service is key in governance. Right policies matter most.
“If we can come together in a united manner our country, state and local governments will benefit greatly.
“So, you should not distance yourself from politics, because it is key for our visions to become a reality.”
“Youths play a great role in the society because the youths have 65 percent of the voting population in Nigeria, so they have three quarter of 100 percent but the politicians have divided us with money, deception and food.
“That is why the youths can’t say the truth again. If the youth gather themselves together and in unison and demand that we want Nigeria to change, we ought to be the kind of youths that won’t be moved by pecuniary gains but our national development.
“If we can unite for change then we must be truthful and ready to serve not chasing after those that will give us something but what we want to offer our country. With this kind of step Nigeria will witness a rapid change.
“So, I urge youths listening to me to be selfless for our country and God will reward us in future going by all our efforts.”
One of the panellists at the conference, the chairman Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) Amb. Jumbo Ubong Chris, who represented the Assistant Secretary CAN Lagos Rev. Dr. Dickson Dele Asaaju (JP) at the forum, harped on the fact that the youths have spiritual role models, whom they hold so dear and will always listen to.
Faces at CYP 2024 Peace Conference in Lagos
He counselled that the narrative for better political involvement will better be piloted by the clerics, while charging CYP to involve the clerics to get better access to the numerous youths across the religious divides.
CYP National President Princess Kolawole in her welcome remark, speaks to the importance of youth involvement in politics, while charging participants to make commitment to being an agent of change in their various geographic locations.
Princess Kolawole also appreciated the various partners who supported the conference like; House 5 Royal Comfort,Big Cola Bottle Company, De Miller Farms makers of Classic peanut and popcorn and others.
Rev. Ibikunle however, called on the youths to be patient as they thirst after being prosperous at all cost even as the year runs to an end.
“As the year runs to an end let’s be patient, whatever seems impossible for us since the beginning of the year, let’s not force it to become a reality, let’s not try to outsmart God.
“Let’s be content with what we have. This contentment will reduce instance of theft, I am addressing the youths please listen to me whatever you could not achieve this year will be possible next year.
“God who made us survive this year will see us through the coming year so let’s have a good plan ahead for our future which God will make a reality for us. Let’s not constitute public nuisance this is my charge to everyone.”
Another panellist Mrs. Abiola Soaga a Woman Leader in All Progressives Congress Ikorodu who is aspiring for Ikorodu North LCDA Chairmanship position, in a motherly tone urged the youths to chose dialogue instead often violent revolution.
“Dialogue is far better in politics for our youths and everyone even at home, we should not believe in revolution because in as much as they said they can influence change then it must start within them.
“The elders have experience and that counts at all times. So, I want to counsel that the youths be patient and believe in the system having the passion and preparation to serve. That is key in politics.
“They should not pride driving of big Jeeps as the major thing but service. All people want to see is service.
“I commend the Christian Youths in “Politics (CYP) for their vision of bringing youths together to orientate them on the importance of getting involved in the political re-engineering of our society.” Mrs. Soaga said.
