Youths seek relevance in politics and economy

Youth, under the aegis of Innovative Youth Volunteers in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, Lagos State, have enjoined political leaders to create opportunities for them to take leadership positions at all levels.

They spoke during a webinar to mark the 2020 International Youth Day.

According to them, despite their potentials, youths are being sidelined by the political leaders. They lamented that age barrier put on employment advertorials wasanother factor inhibiting them from participating in economy and decision making.

They urged lawmakers to sponsor bills that will remove age barriers in seeking employment, as it is done in developed countries.

Leader of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Lanre Akinbowale noted that making laws to remove age barriers in employment advertorials is beyond the power of the local governments. He said it could only be done by state and federal lawmakers.

Guest speaker Sola Odukoya said youth engagement and involvement in decision making is not majorly about political process. According to him, it also involves changing narratives of the process through dialogue, pressure, protest and signing petitions

“We are not majorly focusing on being in active politics, but influencing the political process, decision making and national objectives,” he added.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Leader in Ejigbo LCDA, Babajide Ogunmefun, advised political office holders to ensure youths occupy leadership positions.