Youth, Women Must Play Active Role in Politics – Akeredolu

Obiajulu Joel Nwolu

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has urged the youths and young women in Nigeria to seek active participation in politics for the growth of the country.

Akeredolu said that since political power is earned rather than given, youth must be motivated and take pragmatic steps that would ensure their inclusion in politics and governance.

This was contained in his speech at the Ondo State Progressive Youth Stakeholders Round-Table Discussion themed, “Patriotic Partisanship; Driving an Agenda of Inclusion and Collective Growth” held at the International Culture and Event Centre, in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday.

The event was organised by a group within the APC, under the aegis of the Pentagon Movement Group.

The governor stressed the need for young women to partake in politics, noting that the time has come for women to transcend the African traditional beliefs to being involved in decision making and other impactful political activities.

He beckoned on the youths to be committed and remain focused while seeking leadership positions by participating in politics.

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He also challenged the youths in the state to chart a course for themselves without minding the influence of money-bags in politics, admonishing the youths to be focused and committed to the spirit of patriotism by putting the interest of the country first and above personal interests.

He said, “Nigeria is desperately in need of a paradigm shift in the ideology of what political offices should be and birthing the new age of the Nigerian politician to focus primarily on the development of Nigeria and adding value to the social, economic, political and developmental facets of the country.

“There is need to recognise the mindset of the Nigerian youth and come up with different approaches and means of engagement that target the management of their diverse perspectives.”

The governor also noted that the time had come for women to take their place in the affairs of the country, saying “as the feminism movement continues to sweep through the world, Nigeria inclusive, we cannot be an exception.”

“I am glad to disclose that our administration has been taking steps towards ensuring that more women take up political roles by insisting on a minimum 25 per cent representation of women both in government appointments and in the party structure.

“As more and more women begin to show interest in active politics, there is the need to continue to identify the pitfalls, limitations and hindrances preventing women from taking up critical roles within the political space.

“Of particular interest is the role of the young women in politics and in general, the upgrading of the roles of women from the African traditional beliefs to the one that is involved in decision making and other impactful political activities,” he stressed.

Source: Punch

This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.

The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.

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