Nigeria’s quest for effective governance and sustainable grassroots development may remain elusive without greater participation of young people in governance.
Stakeholders at the maiden World Press Conference of the Youths On Ground Progressive and Mentorship Initiative in Abuja say empowering young Nigerians economically and creating opportunities for their meaningful participation in governance are critical to achieving development at the grassroots.
One of the major challenges to grassroots development, according to Stakeholders at the maiden World Press Conference of the Youths On Ground Progressive and Mentorship Initiative in Abuja is the gap between government policies and the communities they are designed to serve.
They note that programmes targeting food security, job creation, youth development and national unity often face challenges of implementation and visibility at the grassroots.
The Youths On Ground Progressive and Mentorship Initiative says it is seeking to bridge this gap by moving young people from the margins of political participation to the centre of nation-building.
The group says it plans to work with governments at all levels to ensure that people-oriented policies and development programmes reach communities and produce tangible benefits for young Nigerians.
Beyond government collaboration, participants called for grearer involvement of the private sector and development partners to strengthen grassroots mobilisation
in leadership development and skills acquisition.
As it prepares for nationwide mobilisation, the initiative, which focuses on mentorship, skills development and community peacebuilding, says greater investment in young people and their inclusion in decision-making will strengthen governance, and also create opportunities for youths to contribute meaningfully to national development.
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Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu
