AN OPEN LETTER TO APC LEADERS ON YOUTH INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE

Ikorodu Division Apex Leaders

All Progressive Congress (APC)

OPEN LETTER ON YOUTH INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE

We like to begin by congratulating all elected APC Candidates across all levels of government on their electoral victory in the 2023 general elections, the resounding victory recorded in all the polls validates your leadership acumen cum dexterity.

It is without doubt that the last few months of campaign have come with inevitable challenges. Nonetheless, we commend you all for the good work you have done as well as the phenomenal innovations you introduced  during the course of the electioneering process even in the face of adversity. Your successes at the polls are well deserved.

However, we urge all our  elected officials on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu division to see their victory at the polls as a call to an important  duty and a rare opportunity to serve the people for the progress and development of Ikorodu. There is no option for failure  in your respective offices  as people of Ikorodu, especially the Youths won't accept anything below success and exemplary leadership in the course of discharging your duties.

Again, "It has been constantly proven that the future of socio-economic and political advancement of any nation in the world is largely dependent on the quality of its youth.” This statement by the respected former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Anan, captures the fundamental thinking behind this letter.

It is important to note that the successful outing of all APC candidates at the polls would not have been possible without the zeal, energy, determination and commitment of the youth who have  consistently deployed their adroitness both on social media and in the field trying to portray all the candidates on the platform of the APC in positive light  to the Nigerian public  and Ikorodu people in particular. I do not think the social media has in recent times seen that level of traffic. The campaign by the youth in ensuring we earn a significant number of votes is exemplary. Kudos to them!

Having highlighted the important roles entrusted and played by the youth in ensuring your victories, we are influenced by this in our evaluation  of youth inclusiveness in your engagements while in office with the aid of all apex leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. 

The youth must be given topmost priority in the decision-making processes  of government, this is the only way Ikorodu can be positioned in her rightful place of greatness in future and for posterity to judge you all kindly while in office and thereafter.

When the potentials of these young men and women are properly harnessed through inclusion in decision making processes of Government,the sky will be a starting point for Ikorodu in the scheme of things in Lagos and Nigeria at large.  

In view of the above, Dear leaders, we wish to respectfully request that you consider; 

    •    The inclusion of at least 30% of youth in all boards, committees and parastatals as it applies in your elected offices. -

    •    Work with the Lagos state house of assembly in making laws that will compel all political parties to ensure inclusion of at least 30% of young people for all political offices. 

  •    Consider the appointment of young people as chief executives in key policy and strategic decision making institutions. 

    •    Inclusion of youth who have excelled and distinguished themselves in their various fields in state engagements.

It is our desire with your support as the apex leaders of our great party, the APC, to take this campaign to the National Assembly, State Houses of Assemblies and finally the entire African Continent using the African Youth Alliance platform. The future belongs to the youth who dare to dream. 

Without self-adulation, Dear leaders, we strongly believe that we the youth are what our generation needs, however, this is not about us; it is about the anguish, frustrations and hopelessness of young people, we shouldn't allow their talents to die or loose them to other countries. 

Whilst standing up for our generation, we respectfully plead that you need this important call for advancement of our society.

Signed:

Ikorodu Division Concerned APC Youth.