The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has declared that there was a need for the consideration of greater participation of the youths in Nigerian politics.
The governor said since the powers were not given on a platter of gold, youth must be determined and take positive steps that would ensure their inclusion in politics and governance.
He stated this at the Ondo State Progressive Youth Stakeholders Round-Table Discussion held at the International Culture and Event Centre, in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday.
He said, “Nigeria is desperately in need of a paradigm shift in the ideology of what political offices should be and birthing the new age of the Nigerian politician to focus primarily on the development of Nigeria and adding value to the social, economic, political and developmental facets of the country. There is need to recognise the mindset of the Nigerian youth and come up with different approaches and means of engagement that target the management of their diverse perspectives. I am glad to disclose that our administration has been taking steps towards ensuring that more women take up political roles by insisting on a minimum 25 per cent representation of women both in government appointments and in the party structure. As more and more women begin to show interest in active politics, there is the need to continue to identify the pitfalls, limitations and hindrances preventing women from taking up critical roles within the political space. Of particular interest is the role of the young women in politics and in general, the upgrading of the roles of women from the African traditional beliefs to the one that is involved in decision making and other impactful political activities”.