South-West youths seek more role in governance

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Youth leaders and other political stakeholders from the South-West have called for greater involvement of young people in political leadership and governance, as attention shifts to preparations for the 2027 elections.

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The call was made on Thursday at a youth leadership and engagement programme held at the Lagos Television premises in Ikeja, Lagos.

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The programme, convened by the South-West Zonal Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Adesuyi Daramola, brought together youth leaders, elected officials and other political stakeholders from the six states in the region.

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Discussions at the meeting focused on leadership development, political participation, capacity building and grassroots mobilisation.

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Daramola said young people should move beyond serving primarily as political mobilisers and seek greater participation in decision-making and governance.

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“Youth leadership must move beyond attendance and mobilisation. It must be about capacity, responsibility, participation, ownership and measurable political action,” he said.

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He also acknowledged Seyi Tinubu’s advocacy for increased youth participation in governance, while recognising the contributions of the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the APC National Youth Leader, Dr Dayo Israel, to youth development and political participation.

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A member of the programme’s planning committee, Alabi Opeyemi, said the meeting provided an opportunity for young political actors to discuss leadership and their roles within the political process.

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