Carrington fellows hail Nigerian youths’ prowess for leadership

Aspirants urge youth, women to wrest power from old guard

Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI) has said that Nigeria youths have the vision, innovation and skills that can significantly improve the livelihood of millions through accessible healthcare, inclusive education, sustainable environment, good governance and economic opportunities.

CYFI president, Olusola Owonikoko, stated this in his welcome address during the leadership Lab Seminar Series to influence politics and improve women, youth participation in politics, at the weekend, in Lagos.

He said: “The lab seminar series is a platform where we bring young people to a dialogue, to have conversation with public office holders, whether they are intending public office holders or current ones, which will go through this year to strengthen the voice of young people and discuss public policies, respectfully challenge the norms and ask tough questions on our collective destiny as a nation.”

Owonikoko further said that youth represent human capital that could propel a nation to enviable economic height, if efficiently deployed in the task of nation-building.

“However, there are also several challenges, including unemployment, insecurity, health governance and several others. Addressing these challenges requires creative and technologically inclined approaches to bring lasting solution,” he added.

Independent presidential candidate, Khadijat Okunnu-Lamidi, urged the youths to elevate themselves through thoughts, words and actions.

Her words: “The days of seeking empowerment and handouts are over. It has not worked and it will not work. Nobody will empower you to be who you should be. We are already empowered. It is time to re-educate ourselves, change our orientation and take a stand. We have to think up, speak up and act up.

“Nobody will hand the wheel of governance to the youth. We take it. We have to take our seat at the table where our future is being discussed. We have to show that we can do it.”

According to her, to achieve better representation for women and youth is not a sprint that would be over in minutes, but a cross-country marathon that takes endurance, agility, consistency and solid commitment, which begins with a step.

She urged women and the youth to start getting involved in decision-making across all levels, collaborating with like-minds to amplify impact in the environment.

Also, Cross River governorship candidate, Nkoyo Toyo, said running away from the country would not solve any problem; instead the youths should understand the country’s politics and begin to think of how to change it for the better.

“Youths can change the dynamics. They have the number, but are not organised. They are not demanding things themselves, but they are allowing other people to lead them and they follow,” she added.