Mrs Judith Amaechi, Founder of Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) on Monday advocated for more youths participation in politics and decision making in the country.
Amaechi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Abuja that this would open up the country to the new horizon of development and innovation identified with the youth across the world.
“I look at the youth as young, vibrant with a lot of ideas and innovation. Majority of the Nigerian population are actually within that age range.
“With the level of innovation, especially in this age of high technology it is good to allow them invent themselves, and have the elders advice them based on their own experiences.
“So much is embedded in the youth, and if you allow them to be part of your planning, be part of inventions and interventions you will find out that they are able to structure out things that will suit their purposes.
“And they will be able to structure out things that will be useful. This keeps them active and busy and at the same time gives them a sense of belonging.
“So I think the youth should be given the opportunity to speak up and be part of policy making and development. There must be a way of having to get them in, into the circle of politics,” she said.
Amaechi said that the NGO has contributed so much in empowering youth, noting that more needed to be done in youth empowerment in the country.
She said that the Central Bank of Nigeria has nominated ESI to select 1,000 youths for it empowerment programme.
According to her, the ESI will be celebrating its 10 years anniversary in October, adding that measures are already being taken for a successful celebration.
NAN reports that ESI provides sustainable development for children, youths and women who are excluded from socio-economic activities.
It provides practical assistance with professionally trained manpower in collaboration with a group of like-minded individuals and well-meaning organization in Nigeria and across the world. (NAN)