THE NIGERIAN YOUTH, GOVERNANCE AND POLITICS An Advocates Perspective Strategy An Introduction About 1.5 billion young people from more than 150 countries do not have peer representation at the United Nations climate change conferences. These young people live mainly in developing countries like my dear country Nigeria. This accounts for the vulnerability to the negative impacts of climate change. I am talking of direct impacts, reserving the gender perspective. However to mention for the record, women and children are the most affected by any form of disaster risk be it epidemic or direct environmental impact. Epidemic here represents health impact but one ripple effect of climate risk, accompanied by economic, social impacts. We the youth therefore are the most important stakeholders - it is our future that is at stake, and yet we are not seen worthy of the cause as to consider our voices much to be included in political parties manifestos and action plans. We the youth have more years ahead of us than those weve lived, thus resulting in receiving and living with such impacts. There represent a category of young Nigerian who have served our country in silence. We have not being content but however driven by the philosophy that ‘there is no limit to what we can achieve if we don’t care who takes the credits’ we have served in writing, we have served in advising, we have made sure we push for policies that render beyond self benefits for the greater good of the nation. Hitherto, the mentality and perceptions of our leaders towards the youth of Nigeria are considered as tools for menace and vices for their political ambitions. Well, before I throw words further I wish to address us (youth) as we play the most important role in our set back as regards nation building and policy making. We have amongst us, privileged young Nigerians strategically placed, but do not see themselves capable or worth being decision makers. Neither have I witnessed them push for a deserving position. This may partly be accrued to them being content with being errand boys and ladies as well as thugs who handles their crucial political deals for elites. In absence of an alternative or in a dispensation where youths in such positions are celebrated, we result to settle for less. The United States of America’s political party states comprise of Alaskan Independence Party, Americas Party, American First Party, American Party of South Carolina, Americans Elect, Connecticut Independent Party, Conservative Party, Constitution Party, Delaware Independent Party, Democratic Party, Ecology Party, Green Party, Hawaii Independent Party, Independence Party, Independence Party of Minnesota, Independent American Party, Justice Party, Labour Party, Libertarian Party, Liberty, Union Party, Moderate Party, Mountain Party. As of July 2014, there are 34 distinct and officially recognized political parties in the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Counting the total number of instances of a recognized party, there are 220 total parties in the 50 states (and Washington D.C.). For example, the Democratic and Republican parties are recognized in all 50 states plus D.C., which accounts for 102 of the 220 total parties. This figure is based upon the number of officially recognized political parties and does not include situations where a candidate chooses a party designation or party label to appear next to their name on the ballot. For example, candidates have appeared in Washington under the designation Happiness Party. That does not signify an actual political party -- rather, it is the label chosen by a candidate to appear next to his or her name on the ballot. Most of these parties are based on ideology. Something we lack in Nigeria political system and the youth can take advantage of. I tell you The Democrats or Republicans can’t win certain county without winning these parties ideas over. With that being said, I wish to withdraw what representation we expect at the United Nations, what representation we expect from the National House of Assembly, What NGOs and the entire CSOs are advocating for. In recent times CSOs and activists advocating for #30PercentOrNothing youth participation in Governance. I withhold from going into the distinction of governance and politics. I wish to ask, what can we do? How do we role play our youth in politics? in governance? As thugs, errand boys, or tools for other social vices? This is the thought and foundation on which Zaverters Consultants Limited initiated Youth Environmental Summit with radical post summit activities not geared towards policy making, domestic or international but targeted at the youth themselves. There is so much that can be achieved as regards climate action, eco friendliness and environmental advocacy on a total if we the youth; a whole generation embrace environmental friendly habits. No telling that an eco-friendly individual knowing the economic benefits as well as social and environmental benefits of adopting ecofriendly technology will never chose expensive, environmental and health detoriating methods of production. Not ignoring job creation in the process of green economy. I wish to demystify environmental terms and concepts here but I promise to do it in subsequent publications. We have our future to build and protect. Not ignoring the role of political or international influence but ultimately through OUR behavioural change. Eco-trend Nigeria representing Eco-tourism, renewable energy, environment, nature and development. Holds an annual stakeholder summit YES (Youth Environmental Summit). Eco-Trend Nigeria aims at creating a synergy between Environment, Politics and Governance. This can be achieved by identifying Local resources within States and local Governments, preferring independent financial strategies and work breakdown structures that are sustainable besides national derivative allocations; which is evident especially in northern states of Nigeria as being insufficient for capital projects coupled with salaries and political depts. Eco-Trend has a road map towards independent and self sustaining strategies by the help of our Economists, Environmentalists, Surveyors and Engineers. Documents representing data and facts relevant for political manifestos and action plans as well as strategies for youth development and an Ultimate Youth coalition strong enough to overcome the fear of vested interests. Beyond the 2014 Youth Environmental Summit in Abuja, Zaverters wishes though YES2014 and Eco-trend in support and partnership with Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Orientation Agency to roll out Environmental Clubs starting in Federal and Missionary Secondary schools in Nigeria and similar to introduction of Computer Science as a compulsory course in Nigerian Universities and Peace and Conflict Resolution as A general Study, Environmental Friendliness should be introduced in our university curriculum as a general study starting 2015. Terwanger Ezra Zahemen Ade Chief Executive, Eco-Trend Nigeria/ Coordinator, Africa Youth Environmental Summit Twitter @ ZahemenAde Email: ecotrendmails@gmail
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 05:30:16 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015