Two NGOs, Network and Kaduna Security Monitor, have called on youths across the country to shun violence and anti-social acts as well as participate in the political processes in the country.
They made the resolution in a joint communique at the just-concluded Institute for Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa (IGLSA) three-day program tagged “Governance and Leadership Mentoring Clinic for Emerging Youth Leaders in Nigeria in Abuja.”
The programme was themed “Developing A Critical Mass of Emerging African Youth Leaders With 21st Century Leadership and Governance Capabilities”.
The joint communique was signed by Mohammed Attah, for Network and Wale Abideen, for Kaduna Security Monitor, Lagos.
The groups said that there was a wide gap between the Nigerian leaders and the youths which needed to be filled by the policy of mentors and mentees.
They further said that leaving the country was not the best option for development, adding,” instead, youths are advised to stay behind to develop the country.”
They, therefore, recommended that the IGLSA should embark on more membership drive so as to serve its deserving purpose in Nigeria and Africa at large.
“This will go a long way in preparing Nigerian youths for a good leadership role.
“We also recommend that the government, private organisations, diplomatic corps and donor organisations should embrace this initiative by supporting IGLSA to build more capacity and to sustain the initiative,” the groups said.
The communique said a special presentation on the topic: Democracy, Development and National Security was made by retired Maj.-Gen. Abiodun Role where he called on leaders to exhibit high responsibility towards youths.
According to the communique, Role said, ”this was essential because trusted leaders take people to places they would not be able to go on their own.”
He, therefore, appealed to leaders to open doors for youths to enable them to actualise their dreams.
The communique also cited some calls made by Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, National Programme Manager, FCDO-PERL,in his paper titled “The Principles, Processes and Practice of Governance Improving Governance”.
Ugwuoke called for the involvement of all stakeholders in decision making processes and management of resources to the benefit of all within a structured arrangement.
He said: ”It examines and influences the structures as well as processes that are designed to direct and promote accountability, transparency, decision making and that leads to effective service delivery.”