The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Imo State chapter has urged the Federal Government and government at all levels to actively involve youths in politics and governance.
NYCN Chairman in Imo, Mr Ezinwanne Udoka, said this while speaking with newsmen in Owerri, on Thursday, as part of activities marking the International Youth Day 2022.
The theme of the 2022 International Youth Day is, “Inter-generational Solidarity: Creating a World for all Ages”.
NYCN who commended political parties for reducing the prices of nomination forms for youths aspiring to elective positions called on Government to further prevail on political parties to provide more opportunities for youths.
The youth group said the ‘ Not Too Young To Run’ law which served as a morale booster for the youths would need some sensitisation to carry the youths along, especially those in rural areas.
The group added that youth involvement in politics would help stem the tide of restiveness and violent crimes.
It harped on the need for effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This, he said, would go a long way to positively impact the lives of people, especially youths, in line with the vision of the United Nations targeted at ending poverty and vulnerability across the world by 2030.
“When youths are empowered through politics, governance, as well as employed to work in government establishments, youth restiveness, crimes and insecurity would reduce minimally in the country.
“Today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years – accounting for 16% of the global population. This number of youths if not properly taken care of will be a time bomb waiting to explode.
” This underscores the need for proper integration of youths into the mainstream of governance to enable them contribute their quota to decision making with the aim of creating sustainable development and empowerment of the all-important populace in line with the SD Goals “, he said.