INEC appreciates youths’ electoral values

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has observed that massive involvement of youths in politics can add value to the country’s leadership.

Prof. Hale Longpet, the Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), said this during a youth workshop and Town Hall meeting on “Promoting Youth Political Participation and Election Security’’, held in Lokoja on Tuesday.

Longpet described the youth as the future leaders of the nation, urging them not to be careless about their roles in governance.

“You should know that whatever level at all you get involved in politics, you will make a difference and with time you can change the tide of leadership of the nation.

“When you are involved, you should put it at the back of your mind that you’re on a national service and as one who wants to create a positive change to do it well,” he said.

He advised the youth to ensure that they played their roles very effective and efficient during the elections.

The commissioner cautioned the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause violence and in vote selling and buying.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Executive Director, Lugard Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative, Mr Okwutepa Aminu-Oseni, described youths as the most vibrant citizens to entrench good governance in any given society.

Aminu-Oseni said that the workshop was targeted at achieving practical approach for youth political participation and engagement of new administration to promote representation of young people in the governance of Kogi.

Mr Hamza Aliyu, a resource person at the workshop, urged the youth to ensure that they “abide by the rules of the game”.

Aliyu said that the youth should guard against breaking electoral laws.