West African Youths Urges Reform, Visit SDP Secretariat

The Confederation of West African Youths, has called for greater youth inclusion, accountable leadership and policies that create opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive.

The call was made by its Regional President, Ambassador Israel Akinola, during a courtesy visit to the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja.

Akinola said the organisation is a platform for African youths committed to change, with membership spread across West African countries and focused on promoting effective leadership and good governance.

“Nigeria requires a new approach to governance, with greater emphasis on citizens’ welfare, accountability and opportunities for young people.”he said.

He added that young Nigerians continue to face economic hardship, unemployment and limited opportunities to develop and commercialise their skills, hence the need for intellectual engagement with the SDP and stronger public-private collaboration.

Speaking on behalf of the National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, Vice National Chairman, Senator Ugochukwu Uba, said the party’s programme is anchored on the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy in Chapter Two of the Constitution, particularly on welfare and security of citizens.

He said Nigeria has remained underdeveloped despite its human and material resources, attributing the challenge largely to leadership and governance failures.

For his part, SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, urged the youths to deepen grassroots engagement.

He said: “Political participation ultimately depends on interaction with citizens at the grassroots and polling-unit level.”