By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
,,,,,Call for youth and gender sensitive budgetary process.
Participants at
1-DAY ROUND TABLE FOR YOUTH FOCUS ORGANIZATIONS AND MEDIA, have observed that the establishment of The Kogi State Youth Development Commission in the State is a welcome development.
They, however, said that the Commission, as constituted, might not deliver the desired results as intended.
This is contained in a communique at the end of their meeting in Lokoja, signed by the Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, (CHRCR),Mr.Idris Miliki Abdul.
According to the communique,there are several youth focused government agencies and department working at cross road purposes with each other.
The participants, who noted that youths made up of over 60% of the population of the state and its voting power, added that the number of young persons elected or appointed to decision making position were not comparable to the voting strength of youth in the state.
They also observed that:” The Nigerian Youth Council has not be effective in mobilizing and advocating the issues of youths and Young persons in leadership position.
“Kogi State Budgetary process has not been youth and gender sensitive
“The Constitutional provision on age of voting is discriminatory to the rights of Young persons to be voted for at age of 18 years.
” Youth capacity to engage in governance is a major challenge in effective participation for young persons
“Issues of youth participation in governance has not been as forcefully in the forefront of state discussions as it should be
“The issue of youth in the media space has not been given prominent attention as expected.”
The participants recommended to thd Kogi State Government to allocate more resources to the Youth Development Commission,to improve its effectiveness in addressing youth issues in the state
“There is need for coordination and synergy between all Youth focused Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and also among Youth focused Organizations
“The Media reportage on youth issues must be deliberate and long term to achieve desired impact on youth leadership
“Youths must translate their electoral strength to elective and appointive positions in the State
“Advocacy for Constitutional amendment on the reduction on the age to vote and be voted for, needs to be strengthened
“Kogi State Budget process needs to be more participatory involving youth and youth focused organizations
“There is need for consistent and periodic elections at local government levels in accordance with relevant laws and Constitutional provisions of Federal Republic of Nigeria, as at when due to strengthen the platform for youth participation in political governance and leadership.
“The Round Table commended the continuous engagement of relevant stakeholders towards youth leadership in the state, and the continuous support of The Nigeria Women Trust Fund and The Mac Authur Foundation.
