A Case for Youth Inclusion in Governance

Concerted efforts to promote the engagement of youth in governance has yielded little results. Till date, youth in government , both elected and appointed , contribute to an insignificant percentage in the larger picture. This is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, but has been a global topic of discourse in recent years. Despite the fact that youth consitute about a quarter of the total world population and about one third of the Nigerian population, little has been achieved as regards the engagement of this group into strategic leadership roles. It is anticipated that the youth will take the center stage and contribute meaningfully to global development through ideas and innovations. But it is unlikely that this will be achieved if youth are not given the opportunity to start harnessing these potentials at various levels of governance. 

It is imperative to clearly identify which group defines the youth. Individuals between the ages of 19-35 years can safely be categorised as youth since youth has been defined as a transition between childhood and adulthood. It is in this transitional period that many significant events occur within the individual's life and it is also within this period that the tuning of the individual's capabilities and ideologies takes place. 

Today, the highest concentration of youth is in Africa and Asia. About 60% live in Asia, 15% in Africa, 10% in latin America and the caribbean and the remaining 15% in developed countries. 

Consequently, it is hightime governments created opportunities to involve this group in decision-making to begin to provide the necessary experiences and preparing them for the future and the challenges therewith. This will provide them with mentorship opportunities and also chances to evaluate their perceptions and expectations against realities of the real world. 

As argued by Godwin Ohimai et al in a submission to the ongoing National Conference, if given the opportunity, young people have a record of surpassing expectations and achieving significant feats. Godwin et al further gave examples of Alh Shehu Shagari, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Amb Mbu, Alh Maitama Sule and the likes. In Uganda, 20 year old Proscovia Oromait was elected as a member of parliament. In South Africa, Lindiwe Mazibuko of the DA is a young promising leader whom is arguably one of the most amiable young leaders. Similarly , 27 year old Sebastien Kurz was just last year appointed minister of Foreign affairs in Austria. In Ethiopia, Japeth Omojuwa had the pleasure of the company of the 35 year old minister of Culture. The list goes on an on. Certainly, the moral burden associated with these positions of authority has to be considered while laying this argument, but with the right support, enabling environment and unbiased nomination of individuals, the benefits of youth participation in governance outweighs the burden. 

As deliberations continue in the ongoing confab, delegates could take into consideration the need to recommend lowering the bar on age limit for young people to enjoy a greater opportunity of pursuing political ambitions in state or national assemblies from 30-25 years. In the same vein, youth might begin to consider the need for a united call for an affirmative action of atleast 15% youth representation in appointments both at state and national levels just as our mothers got 33% and are even requesting it be increased. 

These go beyond mere political representation but largely addresses the global issue of youth inclusion and engagement. If addressed , this has the potential of redefining the political landscape in our dear country and also paints the picture of the new Nigeria characterised by vigour and innovation. 

Kamal Lamido