Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy.
This was contained in a Democracy Day message jointly signed by Hon. Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, Chairman, Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria, National Youth Leader, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Comr Ozu Frederick Important, Publicity Secretary, Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria and National Youth Leader, PRP.
The statement reads: “The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating the resilience of our democracy and the sacrifices of those who fought for democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Today is an opportunity to reflect on the future of our nation and the place of young people in shaping that future. Democracy thrives when every segment of society is represented, included, and given a voice. However, while Nigerian youths constitute the majority of our population and remain the driving force, they continue to be grossly underrepresented in governance and decision-making processes.
“The Forum believes that the next stage of Nigeria’s democratic development must include a deliberate and structured transition of leadership responsibilities to a younger generation of competent, capable, and patriotic Nigerians. If we be the majority, we should carry the vote. We are no longer asking for inclusion. We are asking for a transition from Gerontocracy to Youthocracy. It’s time to prepare the youths of Nigeria for leadership takeover.
“We acknowledge the sacrifices, contributions, and leadership of our fathers in building our nation. However, every successful society deliberately prepares and empowers the next generation to assume leadership responsibilities.
“It is also important to remind ourselves that the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and nation-building was championed by energetic young nationalists who believed in a better future. Throughout our history, young Nigerians have consistently demonstrated courage, competence, innovation, and the capacity to lead.
“Today, Nigerian youths are not asking for inclusion or representation but leadership transfer to the young Nigerians, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the governance and development of our country.
“Accordingly, the Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria calls on all political parties to create practical pathways for youth leadership and participation.
and reduce barriers that prevent young people from actively participating in politics and governance.
“We are also calling on the National Assembly and policy makers to continue strengthening frameworks that will ensure a smooth and strategic transition to the youths.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day, we urge Nigerian youths not to lose faith in Nigeria but remain peaceful, law-abiding, productive, and actively engaged in the democratic process. We must continue to prepare ourselves through education, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and civic participation.
“The time has come for Nigeria to move from merely speaking about youth inclusion to implementing total leadership handover to the youths. The time has come for a national conversation on generational leadership transition. The time has come to build a Nigeria where experience and youthful energy work together for national progress.
“The Forum therefore calls on all Presidential hopefuls, political parties, elected officials, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, the media, and all stakeholders to join this important national conversation because a nation that continually excludes its youths from leadership weakens its future. A nation that empowers its youths secures its future.
“Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians
God bless the youths of Nigeria.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ” it also added.
END
