The Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC), Ekiti State Chapter, has called for greater inclusion of young people in governance and decision-making processes across Nigeria.
The call was made at the SNYC Ekiti State Leadership Summit, where the outgoing Chairman of the organisation in the state and newly elected National Secretary-General, Comrade Alade Emmanuel Kehinde, urged stakeholders to create more opportunities for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in governance.
Speaking at the summit, held with the theme “Youth Inclusion in Governance: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward,” Kehinde said youth participation should go beyond appointing young people to positions, stressing the need to give them a voice, responsibilities and a seat at the table where decisions are made.
He said young people were not only leaders of tomorrow but active stakeholders and leaders of today, noting that their ideas, energy and innovations should have a meaningful place in governance and decision-making.
Kehinde appreciated the Ekiti State Government for its commitment to youth development and for creating opportunities for young people to contribute to the growth of the state.
He also commended the Commissioner for Youth Development for his accessibility and efforts towards improving the welfare, empowerment and development of Ekiti youths.
The SNYC leader expressed appreciation to the executives and members of the Ekiti State chapter for their dedication, cooperation and sacrifices, saying their collective efforts had contributed to the organisation’s activities and achievements.
He also acknowledged the presence of guests, speakers, panellists, stakeholders and young people at the summit, describing their participation as an indication of the importance of sustained conversations on youth inclusion.
Kehinde further called for collective efforts to build an Ekiti State and Nigeria where young people are empowered to participate, lead, innovate and contribute to sustainable development.
He concluded by thanking his family and friends for their support, prayers and encouragement throughout his public service.
The summit provided a platform for young people and stakeholders to deliberate on the challenges limiting youth participation in governance and explore practical ways of strengthening their involvement in leadership and development.
