By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
Nigerian youths have been urged to actively fulfil their civic responsibilities, free from violence, as essential instruments of nation-building.
This call comes as youths in Ondo State are encouraged to avoid electoral violence as the gubernatorial election approaches.
Stakeholders made the appeal on Tuesday in Akure at the Ondo State Youth Peace Summit, organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ondo State chapter, in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Speaking on the topics, “2024 Gubernatorial: Ondo Youth and their Civic Responsibility” and “Ondo State Youth as Instruments of Nation-Building,” speakers emphasised the need for youths to be involved and disciplined.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Olawande Ayodele Wisdom, who was represented at the event, stated that the nation’s progress lies in the hands of the youth, hence the need for them to work towards fostering development.
Ondo State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Pathfinder Ogunmolawa Matthew, noted that this is an electioneering period in the state, and they have been educating people on the ethics of electioneering, expected behaviour, and responsibilities.
“I am proud to say that Ondo youths have learnt a lot and have started putting it into practice, which is why there have been no clashes, and election campaigns have been conducted peacefully. We have brought people together, especially the youth who are the core participants across polling units, to discuss how to achieve a peaceful election,” he said.
According to him, youths should be wary of people who try to entice them with money into negative acts and should remember that youth is just a phase in life; they should focus on building a good name for themselves.
Guest lecturers, the NOA, media representatives, and other stakeholders at the event highlighted that youths bear significant responsibility towards the nation.
They suggested that just as youths use social media to spread information during protests, they could also use it to promote peace and tolerance, contributing to meaningful development.
The lecturers advised youths to harness their knowledge and potential to demonstrate they have what it takes to be leaders of the nation.
They further noted that the upcoming national youth conference proposed by the President should be seen as an opportunity to highlight the issues facing Nigerian youths and to propose solutions.
Stakeholders posited that youths should not wait for solutions to be handed to them but should showcase their leadership qualities and prove they can excel in positions of power.
They encouraged youths not to sell their votes but to support a party committed to the broader good of the population and the future of Nigerian youth, rather than one offering immediate, personal gains.
A cross-section of participants described the event as an eye-opener on the importance of involvement in nation-building and personal development.