By Isa Bature
Nigeria as the giant of Africa is experiencing one sided policy making body without including the youth. At the global level, there seems to be an understanding that youth are significant dividends of the global population, such that they need to be included in every decision-making process. They are also recognized as key agents of socio-economic and political movers of the society.
Despite this fact, on the ground, youth are marginalized and excluded from the political and important decision making processes. This is truer in Africa than elsewhere in the world. Most politicians in Africa are failing to recognize this basic concern of the continent.
The Nigerian case is a typical example where most leaders are between 50 and 80 years of age, Thus, the objective of writing this piece to highlight the importance of youth inclusion in the Nigerian politics.
Despite making up more than half of the population in Nigeria, young people, ages 18-40, often find themselves marginalized from mainstream politics and decision making.
They struggle to gain the respect of public officials and are seen as lacking the skills and experience to engage in political activity and lead positive change in their communities. This exclusion, combined with limited educational and economic opportunities, can leave young people both idle and frustrated with the status quo.
Today’s youth need real opportunities to participate in political processes and contribute to practical solutions that advance development. When given an opportunity to organize, voice their opinions and play a meaningful role in political decision making, young people consistently demonstrate their willingness and ability to foster positive, lasting change. They also become more likely to demand and defend democracy, and gain a greater sense of belonging.
The young people in Nigeria need all the support and mentorship to channel their energy, creativity and aspirations and become political leaders and activists. Programs build young people’s skills, knowledge and confidence while helping them more effectively express their voices, build relationships with political leaders, and break down sociocultural and institutional barriers to participation.
Though some legal protections and advocacies have been attempted by Nigerian Youths, most of youth-related policies and programs are paper values. Hence, it is recommended that Nigeria as a country should create enabling and youth-friendly environments that pave the way for an effective and meaningful youth political participations. Likewise, facilitating youth inclusion in the national and local electoral and consultation processes is another means for upgrading the level of political participation of youth.
Finally, if the Nation is not proactive towards their youth population, it may become a ticking political time bomb. Thus, young people should have a voice in their own future.