By Dare Akogun
The Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, has charged youths to utilize their vast population and the power of new media to actively engage governments and advocate for quality representation.
Speaking at the 24th Inauguration Ceremony and Launch of “The HERO Magazine” by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Kwara State axis, Ajakaye emphasized the need for youths to participate in political processes to influence policy decisions.
Ajakaye while underscoring the importance of youths being actively involved in the political process, says “You cannot complain that political parties presented ‘never-do-wells’ as their candidates when you stay away from the process that produces them.”
He encouraged youths to participate in the selection of candidates for elections to ensure that their voices are heard.
Highlighting the demographic significance of youths in Nigeria, Ajakaye noted that half of Nigeria’s population is below the age of 18.
He stressed the need for youths to leverage their organizational bodies to advocate for sustainable solutions to challenges such as poor education, unemployment, poverty, and hunger.
The event, attended by government officials including the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr. Mary Arinde and Commissioner for Youth Development Hon. Nafisat Buge, emphasized the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of students and trusting young people with leadership positions.
Buge commended NANS for documenting the achievements of the present administration and reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of students.
Similarly, Senator Khairat AbdulRazaq urged students to prioritize their studies while praising their involvement in student unionism.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs Comrade Wasiu Onidugbe, in his remark said the honour done to Governor AbdulRazaq by NANS serves as another good testimony that their interest is well represented, adding that the recent payment of bursary to students by government is a typical example.
He said the administration will continue to prioritize the students’ welfare in the state.
