Nigeria Youths And Participation In Politics -By Shariff M.M Al-hassan

Nigeria Youths need to participate in politics at all level of governance, the percentage of young people who are actively involved or included in the administration of our state and Nigeria is very low. Youths should continue to push for different spaces for their inclusion and voice out their views without fear or favor.

Nigeria Youths constitute the bulk of the population, and it’s a demographic majority considering an estimated population of 68million Nigeria Youths. Put in contest, this is twice the population of Niger, Togo, Ghana and other African countries. If the Nigerian youth population were to be a nation, it would be a country bigger than some of the African countries. By sheer numerical strength, it would therefore be a major country.

However, despite the forgoing, the Nigerian youths have been marginalized in governance and decision making. WHY because, youths have been portray as thug’s, media aides, propaganda peddlers and money chasers.

Nigeria youths should wake up from their slumber and EMBRACE love and peace with one another, irrespective of our region, political affiliations, ideologies, religious beliefs and other difference that separate us in Nigeria. We need to come our in Mass with formidable voice and WALK the TALK by contesting for elective positions. I mean the right youth with positive mindset, sincerity, altruism, patriotism, and with the fear of God.

Competency is all we need, not nepotism and other sort of negative yardsticks.
One of the reasons why some of our youths are marginalized in Nigeria societies is linked to their marital status. In Nigeria, If a Youth is not married, he is still considered to be irresponsible partly because they are not married. 

Some of our youth have not been able to effectively advocate for their inclusion in formal bodies. Let me use my STATE as a case study THEY consider Youths as media boys, propaganda peddlers, SA’s and other dustbin political positions and violence tools. The funniest part of the matter: After appointing few of youths to occupy the dustbin position as media aides, they changed their sim card and started claiming local champions, thinking they have arrived. I always pity for them, because I believe people like myself can do more better than some commissioner and Governor himself.

I have learnt a lot, working under politicians as PERSONAL ASSISTANT, SENIOR SPECIAL ADVISER on media and publicity, which I resigned honourably, I am proud of that. I can never be part of any conspirational ideologies because of money with any politician(s) (In Sha Allah/By the grace of God).

The moment politician’s feels you have become a problem positively for them, by criticising their movements, they offered you political appointments just to silence you. I have sworn to God, I can never be silence because of any political appointments or keep mute because of the fear of the unknown.

Leaders have not recognized the value of youths and the contribution they can make. 
When people say “the youths are the future of tomorrow,” It’s annoying statement in Nigeria. This statement is used to primarily for political gains, to cheat and deceive people.

“We may have different parties, different languages, different ideologies, but we all belong to one Nigeria. The only change we need is that of individual’s mindset.”

“The time for vibrant youths to stand for what belongs to them is now or never.It is time to WALK the talk.”

Nigeria is ours, we must do anything positively to make it a great nation. I believe am not too young to lead and I  will never doubt my capacity to triumph where others have not in this struggle.

Comr Shariff M.M Al-hassan

President, Nigerlite Youth Progressive Council(NYPC)Shariffmusa90@gmail.com