YOUTH INCLUSIVENESS IN GOVERNANCE
Similarly, on youths' inclusiveness in government, it is a necessity that we as a nation catch up with the dynamics of the 21st century. There is no gain saying that global rise in knowledge, technology and social awareness has boosted the capacity of our youths in country.
However, their ability to harness these assets effectively to drive national transformation would depend on the leadership opportunities available to them. I still do not understand why youths were left out of the recent ministerial nominees list. While I know that being a “youth” in itself is not a qualification for leadership, it is in this context related to credible and competent young Nigerians within the required age. Is it not painful to see how young Nigerians excel outside Nigeria when they could have impacted same course into the Nigerian system if given the opportunity?

Drawing from an independent research by the British Council, by 2030; “Youths, not oil, will be Nigeria’s greatest asset”. It is so sad to realize that, the youth density is a minority in the present political demography in Nigeria while the aged generation lead as the majority.

The Nigerian youth have since our nation’s return to democratic rule in 1999 been kept at the fringes of leadership. Youths are merely seen as the representation of tomorrow’s leadership rather than the distinct social category of people who are educated, competent and prepared for the task of today’s leadership.

It is common knowledge that, democracy signifies the representation of people because it is also a game of numbers. Representation in a democracy is expected to mirror the demographic composition of all of its population.
It is needful to say that, not only are youths the demographic majority in Nigeria but also the distinct social stratum and as such, ought to be given rightful representation in the leadership of this nation just as gender has attained recognition as a distinct social category.

Most of the developed climes in the world today rely on the dynamic innovations occasioned by their youth populace especially in technology, governance and the military. It is upon the realization and actualization of this fact that we as a nation can boast of politics of ideas and pragmatism without putting old wine in new bottles.

God bless Nigeria.
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Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.
Public Interests Lawyer and the Converner, Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates, COPA.
31st July, 2019