Over 40 young political candidates, all below the age of 40, drawn from various political parties, including the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and African Action Congress (AAC), have gathered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for a training programme focused on strengthening youth participation in governance and political leadership.
The programme was hosted by the Ambeghe Movement in collaboration with the Clement Isong Foundation and ActionAid Nigeria, with the Project Coordinator, Comrade Ini-obong Uko, an APM candidate for Uyo State Constituency, playing a key role in coordinating the initiative.
The training featured Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, Member representing Etinan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and Dr. Borono Bassey, a lecturer at the University of Uyo, as resource persons.
In his address, Uko congratulated the participants on emerging as candidates of their respective political parties and for taking the bold step to participate actively in the democratic process.
He urged the young candidates to remain committed to the interests of their constituents and become good ambassadors of Nigerian youths, stressing that their emergence as candidates represents an opportunity to demonstrate that young people can provide responsible and effective leadership.
Uko said the youth project was designed to enlighten young political aspirants on the need for greater access to elective and appointive positions where they can directly participate in decision-making, particularly in legislative and policy-making processes.
According to him, while the appointment of young Nigerians as Special Assistants (SAs) and Personal Assistants (PAs) by those in government is commendable, such appointments alone are not sufficient to guarantee meaningful youth participation in governance.
He argued that young people should also be given opportunities to occupy positions where they can make critical decisions at the local, state and federal levels. He noted that laws and public policies must reflect emerging technologies, changing realities and the needs of future generations, insisting that young people must be part of the process of shaping those policies.
Uko acknowledged the contributions of older generations to the development of the country but stressed that changing times require greater inclusion of young people in leadership and decision-making. He called on political parties and governments to create more opportunities for young Nigerians to contest elections and occupy strategic positions where their ideas and perspectives can influence governance.
“The future belongs to young people, and if we do not begin to actively engage now, we may end up losing what we hold dear,” Uko said, urging the participants to remain active, united and committed to building a better society.
He maintained that youth participation should go beyond political campaigns and party activities, stressing that young Nigerians must be empowered to contribute directly to legislation, policy formulation and governance at every level.
The training brought together young candidates from different political platforms, providing an opportunity for participants to strengthen their understanding of political leadership, representation and the role of young people in shaping the future of governance in Nigeria.
