By Omowunmi Oladokun
Hans Bernard said and I quote:
‘We will all benefit by having the young people exposed to the way things are done in a democratic society. Isn’t it time to tap the power of the youth?”
The National Youth Policy states that the official age of the youth is 15 to 29 Years.
The African Youth Charter define youth as 15 to 35 which is more encompassing.
The time has come when we must dig out the energy, the brain, imagination, talents, skills, creativity, potentials that may be useful in difficult times like this. All these have been channelled into negativity like Drugs, Cybercrime and other nefarious acts which are causing havoc to the citizens of Nigeria and other countries at large.
The youth are the backbone and the majority of our community and their participation is required at all level of the society yet they have remained in a state of dormancy for a number of decades.
HOW THE NIGERIAN YOUTH CAN PARTICIPATE/ BE USEFUL IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (most especially during election).
1. By voting during election.
2. By joining electoral registrars and the likes.
3. By sensitising the public on topical issues on politics through NGOs and the likes.
4. By not participating in electoral rigging or violence during the election.
5. By becoming electoral candidates and participating in campaigns and the likes.(not too young to rule bill)
6. By not embezzling public funds in government offices.
7. By paying of taxes to government to increase government revenue.
8. By respecting and maintaining law and order with manners in Nigeria.
9. By serving government whether as a National Corper or the likes.
10. By giving back to the society financially e.g (building schools, orphanages, roads churches and the likes). After all, we can’t always wait for the government.
NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN ACT
Age barrier should no longer limit political participation. Young People are capable of making excellent decisions for the good of this country as well. Electoral participation should not be left to the aged.
The law has been passed into law but it has not been practiced to some extent.
In conclusion, Jamie Margolin states that the youth are able to save the world and young people possess the power to drive political change.
