Samuel Atuluku, Lokoja
Executive Director of the Initiative for Grassroots Advancement, INGRA, Hamzat Aliyu has advocated youths participation in political leadership.
Hamzat made the call at a one-day youth summit organized by the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution in Lokoja.
He stated that there were numerous challenges facing youths in attaining political leadership, noting that such incumbrances should be removed for total youth advancement.
According to him, such challenges include age discrimination, corruption and nepotism as well as limited access to education and unfavourable youth policies.
Hamzat, who called for improvement in political party ideology and necessary intervention commended the convener of the summit, Idris Miliki, for being focused.
Earlier, the Chairman, Kogi State Youth Development Commission, Mr Lawal Ozomata-James explained that thousands of youths have been engaged under the present administration since the establishment of the Commission.
Mr Lawal noted that the office was facing some challenges, but assured that there was hope for youth development and thanked Governor Yahaya Bello for his commitment to the cause.
The Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Idris Miliki said the summit was to inspire youths for leadership positions, emphasizing the need for intervention considering the low percentage of youths in elective and appointive positions.
He said advocacy, community mobilization, media engagement and institutional strengthening were necessary to chart a new course on youth political leadership.
Participants were drawn from selected communities and youth groups from across Kogi State.
