Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said his administration would continue to accord more youth inclusion in governance.
This he said would afford them the chance to add values to the socio-economic and political development of the state.
AbdulRazaq said quite a large proportion of the young population have proven their worth in governance and corporate world, thereby requiring every support to fulfill their life dreams.
AbdulRazaq stated this in Ilorin yesterday at the Kwara Youths Symposium, a programme that seeks to discuss issues bordering on the interests and prospects of youths in the state.
Organised by the state Ministry of Youth Development, the theme for this year was, “ The Legacy and Ideology of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq: A Model for Youth Inclusion and Empowerment in Nigeria.”
The event was graced by cabinet members, academics and successful entrepreneurs including the Nigerian-American professor and media scholar Prof Farooq Kperogi.
The programme featured a panel session where discussants took turns to commend the business and youth-friendly policies of the government and suggested other things that the administration needs to factor in for the proposed Kwara Youth Policy.
The governor, who was represented at the event by the Speaker Kwara House of Assembly, Rt Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi, said it is important to build the capacity of youth and start engaging them for leadership tasks right from today.
He appreciated Prof. Kperogi for honouring the invitation all the way from Georgia, USA, saying the state is proud of him as a son of the soil.
Also in his remarks at the event, the state Commissioner for Youths Development, Hon. Usman Yunusa- Lade said the programme further represents the zeal of the present administration to empower Kwara youths and create an environment for them to succeed in life.
“We are here to reaffirm our administration’s commitment to continue to build the Youths capacity and give them the necessary push for them to flourish in life,” he said.
He thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for giving the youth the necessary support by getting them involved in decision making.
Prof Kperogi, on his part, expressed reservation that despite Nigeria being a country that is largely populated by youth, the old generation has still not found the youth fit to occupy the leadership positions.
Kperogi, who spoke about “Youth Inclusion in Governance: Bridging the gap”, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his leadership style and how he has been championing the crusade of youth inclusion in governance.
“We are one of the youngest countries in the world. The vast majority of people who constitute Nigeria’s population are young, yet the people who rule this young population are mostly old people.
“Every country’s future relies on its youths. If we don’t trust the youth enough to empower them with the skills to take over the leadership you are jeopardising the future of our nation. And that is why I am delighted to discover that we have very many young people working in this government.”
