International Youth Day: ADP praises Nigerian youths, says their time is now

The Action Democratic Party (ADP), has told the Nigerian Youth, that their future begins today and no longer tomorrow.

The party in its International Youth Day message, which was signed by the National Publicity Secretary of ADP, Prince Adeoye Adelaja and made available to CAPITAL POST on Wednesday, praised Nigerian youths for their creativity, and exploits at home and abroad.

ADP said, the contribution of young people to Nigeria’s national development is of no small measure and that their voting strength determines the outcome of all elections in the country.

The theme of 2020 International Youth Day is “Youth Engagement for Global Action” to change the sour narratives about governance in developing countries like Nigeria.

In order to actualize this years theme in Nigeria, the Action Democratic Party calls on all the youth to join ADP which was formed to bring action to governance and eliminate lackluster, incoherence, rudderless and directionless in the present APC led government in Nigeria.

ADP as party, believes in the democratic emancipation of the youth as part of its founding ideologies, party constitution and cardinal objectives, which has clearly been demonstrated in the percentage of the elected executives and key appointment of officers from ward to National level. To show to Nigerians that, it does pay a lip service to its objective, it is there in the party’s constitution, that 25% of all elective positions be allocated to youth, calling on them to join ADP and take their rightful positions.

The truth is that, no nation can survive or make any meaningful progress democratically, technologically or economically without the input of youth, therefore a day like this should remind us as a people that, our young people must be given all the support and attention they deserve.

On this year’s celebration, we must realize that, what is needed is increased efforts to promote youth participation and commitment in politics, governance and leadership; more services aimed at youth; more parental involvement; more education and information, using schools and other sites; more protection for girls, orphaned children and young women;and more partnerships with people with HIV and AIDS and more recently Covid 19 pandemics.

These things can be possible with the right collaborative efforts, amongst the key stakeholders, government and parents, so that the “Youth Engagement for Global Action” can be a reality.

In Nigeria, young people must continue to be good ambassadors of their country not just because they are the key symbol of our National cohesion, but the future they yearn for is already before them.

A former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Hanan stated that the youth should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If, however, they are left on society’s margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.

Youth voice is crucial to the overall effectiveness of service- learning programs. Youth voice has a tremendous impact on program participation and program outcomes, both short term and long term. Realizing the promise of this generation means investing far more in young people’s inclusion, participation, organizations and initiatives.

Youth feel their voice is valued and that they have an impact to play. Youth involvement has moved forward. It is no longer seen as a rebellious act, the way it was a few decades ago.