National Young Leaders Summit Holds In Lagos
The 2018 edition of the National Young Leaders Summit took place in Lagos yesterday Thursday 2nd August at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja.
The theme of the summit was “Bridging The Gap…The Yesterday, Today and The Future in Nigerian Politics”. The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Sylvester Odion Akhaine, Ag. Head, Department of Political Science, Lagos State University.
Other speakers and panelists at the event included Prof Kingsley Moghalu – former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and a presidential aspirant, Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson (APC Women Leader, South West), Fela Durotoye – a presidential aspirant, Ahmed Buhari – a presidential aspirant, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan – Lagos State Commissioner of Information & Strategy, Engr. Deji Doherty – a PDP chieftain, Hon. Princess Folashade Oba – Vice Chairman (Ikorodu LGA), Mr. Femi Akinbiyi – INEC representative, Mr. Tope Fasua – a presidential aspirant, Sir Demola Aladekomo – Chams Group, Mr. Taiwo Ayedun – Special Assistant to Gov Ambode on Civic Engagement, Kemi Areola – New Media Assistant to Honourable Minister of Communication, and Mr. Dayo Israel – a renowned polymath.
The hall was filled to capacity as the summit attracted people from different parts of the country. Though the youths were more in number, middle aged people and the elderly were also part of the event. The event witnessed heated sessions as issues that affected the Nigerian political space took center stage. Different speakers brought different perspectives to burning issues in the polity as well as proffering solutions that will help bridge the yarning gap between the old generation, the present and future generations.
The speakers and panelists submitted that the youths must rise up and be counted. They unanimously agreed that the youths can influence positive change with their huge numbers and not relegate themselves to be used by politicians as thugs. The youths were also encouraged to learn to start from their immediate environment; be part of the process from their ward level, create groups, network, champion movements and causes in their communities. They were also advised to shun divisive sentiments instigated by political actors and seek for the unity of the country.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that almost all the speakers highlighted the importance of technology in improving politics in Nigeria, as it will check abnormalities experienced over time. They submitted that with proper use of the social media Nigerian youths can influence other youths and orchestrate positive change in the polity. It was also agreed that there had to be schools where young people can be tutored on the rudiments of governance. Youths were admonished that aside the use of technology they must try to connect with the people; as politics is about communication and at the same time local.
One of the speakers, Prof Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and a presidential aspirant, told the youths that the 2019 general election is about the survival of Nigeria. He said that if the country must make progress, then we need good managers of the economy who will come with something new and something bold.
Fela Durotoye on his part explained to the youths that the future is not a time zone. That the future is what we can be or do that we have not become; as what we see as the future in our clime were other peoples’ reality today. He advised the youths not to sell their votes as their votes remained their voices.
When P.M.EXPRESS spoke with the convener of the summit, Comrade Adeniyi Ahmed Ojikutu, he said that the annual event was room for political mentoring, learning and development for young emerging politicians. A visibly elated Comrade Ojikutu further explained that it was an opportunity to position the mindset of the young and aspiring political leaders towards understanding the dynamics of the Nigerian political terrain.
Highlights of the event included the networking coffee break – where the youths had the opportunity of meeting with the speakers and panelists and the cutting of the 40th birthday cake by the convener, Comrade Adeniyi Ojikutu, joined by members of his family, speakers & panelists, organizers and the participants.
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