Groups under the auspices of Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) and Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa (CELCE-AFRICA) have urged president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the president of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima for the Kaduna State ministerial slot.
The groups in a statement signed by president general of CONYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibem and director general (CELCE-AFRICA), Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze respectively urged the president to accept AYCF president as the youths’ consensus candidate.
According to the groups, the federal executive council as presently constituted by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not have representatives of the Nigerian youth constituency which they said is a slap on the face of the Nigerian youths who are the future leaders of tomorrow.
“We demand that the Nigerian youths should be represented in the present cabinet of president Ahmed Tinubu and we the Nigerian youths are presenting one of our own, Comrade Shettima Yerima for appointment as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian youths from all ethnic divides decided to come together to take this all important decision because it is our destiny that is at stake here and we cannot fold our hands and do nothing.
“The appointment of Yerima Shettima as a minister would not only recognize and celebrate his exceptional leadership within the youth community but would also provide an opportunity to harness the enormous potential and fresh perspectives that young people bring to the table.
His experience in mobilizing youth resources, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and stakeholders alike.
“Moreover, Shettima’s appointment as a minister would serve as an inspiration to millions of Nigerian youths, proving that their voices and contributions are valued and essential in shaping policies that directly affect their lives. With his extensive knowledge of the challenges faced by the youth, coupled with his excellent managerial skills and visionary leadership, he possesses the perfect blend of attributes to effectively drive youth-focused initiatives in government.
“We call upon the Federal Government to seize this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to youth inclusion by appointing Yerima Shettima as a minister. This decision would symbolize a step forward towards a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria, where the youth are not only acknowledged as vital stakeholders but actively engaged in decision-making processes.
“The time for youth empowerment and inclusion in governance is now, and Yerima Shettima is the perfect candidate to lead the charge,” they said.
