Youth demand inclusion in politics

@LatifatOpoola

Nigerian youth have again called for an open political space by reducing the monetization of such slots to accommodate more youth.

They made the demand last weekend during the ‘Ja Muje’ Policy Makers’ Forum. The interactive session was the first of its series with legislators which seeks to propose solutions to societal problems especially in the North through dialogue.

Senator representing Adamawa North senatorial zone, Binta Masi, said while it is the right step for youth to be agitating to be in politics, they must be fully prepared for the task ahead.

She regretted that while they want to join the political space and take charge, many do not know what the current policies are.

Organizer of the event, Farida Yahya told the gathering the importance of seeking solutions through dialogue cannot be overemphasized.

She said ‘Ja Muje’ seeks to engage communities through skill acquisition, networking and resources. “These communities have the resources but lack the skills to utilize these resources to the maximum advantage. So we are looking at empowering them on skills acquisition,” she said.

On networking she also regretted that while youth talk a lot, most don’t talk about how to solve problems and hopes to change that.