Youth Development Committee Chairman for the House of Representatives, Hon. Martins Esin has revealed that his committee is collaborating closely with the House committee on electoral matters to make sure that the political parties are contacted for incentives or clear waivers for youths to increase their participation in the upcoming Nigerian election.
This information was revealed by Esin at the conclusion of a three-day workshop on youth activism that FlexiSAF had organized with the help of the US Department of State.
The “Activism that Yields Results: Building the Future Now” workshop brought together 50 passionate young activists and change-makers between the ages of 18 and 35 with the aim of motivating and preparing them with the skills and knowledge to promote positive social change.
The workshop, which was planned as a component of the Foundation’s Young Education Advocates program, was timed to coincide with United Nations Day, which is observed on October 24th each year.
He said: “The committee on Youth Development is working very closely with the house committee on Electoral Matters to see that the political parties are approached to do a kind of incentive or clear waivers for our youths.”
On youth activism, Hon. Esin said when done correctly, it would create awareness and inclusion for those who do not understand their immediate environment.
He said: “Youth activism creates awareness. It helps other young persons who may not have been in open platform like we have to understand what is going on in the society.
“Don’t forget that activism was brought to bear today, which is activism that brought about inclusion of youth in the government of the day.”
“For instance, speaking to you, I’m the Chairman of the House Committee on youth developments, House representatives and I knew that from before now, youths have asked for this kind of thing to happen.”
“Today, we have a Minister of Youth who is a young person. It is all of these kinds of activism in areas of environments, social welfare, justice and all that, I think, youths are getting it right and we just need to apply more motion to get there.” He said