A group under the aegis the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association, Osun State Chapter has called for an increase in women and youth participation in politics and electoral processes in Nigeria.
This was contained in addresses of speakers at Osun State Town Hall Meeting in Osogbo on Tuesday titled “Increasing Women and Youth Participation In Politics and Electoral Processes”.
The programme was initiated by The United States Government Exchange Alumni Association, Osun State Chapter with the support of the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Femi Adefila, the Chief Executive Officer of Rave FM 91.7, a private radio station in Osogbo said the Town Hall is tilt towards inclusive participation of women and youths.
“In Nigeria we have 101 million women, data and statistics, and 33.3 million youths but these demographics are not as active as they should be in our democracy and democratic process. So how do we encourage youths and women to see politics as endeavour they should participate in?
“We want to sensitise them, to galvanize their interests and their consciousness that it is a civic responsibility that we should take very seriously. Do you imagine 1001 million women and 33.3 million being passive and not active in politics?
“We told them there is no polling units on the social media, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, you need to be active. You need to leave the comfort of your home, go to the polling units and perform your Civic responsibility. That is the only strategy for you to use to elect your leaders. Enough of complaining and enough of gang-standing; it is time for active participation.
Adefila, who is also former broadcaster with Osun State Broadcasting Corporation and NTA International added that this is the most auspicious time for youthful participation, especially as Osun gubernatorial election draws nearer.
Also speaking, Alhaja Mojirade Aminu, the Executive Director of Women for Social Justice, said participation of the youths and women should not be only during the election period.
“Their participation should be a continuous one, they should not come out during the election time. They have to have the knowledge of what it takes to belong to a political party. They have to know the electoral process. They should get their PVCs, belong to a political party and try to contest for a post.
“There are different women-concerned groups that train women who want to go into politics. We want to this to be a continuous one and not just when the election is near.” She said.
She further stated that women need to be in power to achieve ‘Nigeria where justice and peace reign’.
Elizabeth Omojuyigbe, a participant called for platform of entrance to politics be given to the youths.
“A lot of youths are really interested and zealous about the participation but the platform is not there. The youths are not empowered. Different organizations that are interested in this, they should come out and support. They should sensitise. We are ready to take power.”
