The Vital Role Of Youths And Participation In Nigerian Governance....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

An NGO called Connected Development (CODE) has underscored the importance of actively engaging Nigeria’s youth in the development of credible leadership at all levels. The NGO believes that this is crucial for enhancing civic capacity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

During the ‘Follow the Money Campus Tour’ held at Kaduna State University (KASU), Mr. Kingsley Agu, the Community Engagement Director of CODE, emphasized the need to promote accountability and transparency by involving young people in monitoring projects. He pointed out that youth participation in governance processes is essential, given that they constitute 70 percent of the population.

Read Also FBI Unveils Allegations: U.S. Senator Menendez And Wife Received Gold And Cash Bribes From Egypt-Connected Entrepreneur

Agu stated that the gathering at KASU aimed to mobilize youth to monitor constituency projects, including the implementation of TETFund projects, and foster their interest in government spending. He highlighted that when young people develop valuable skills and self-confidence, it contributes to the nation’s capacity-building and the grooming of effective leaders for the next generation.

Abubakar Muhammad, CODE’s Project Assistant, mentioned that the organization, through its ‘Follow the Money’ initiative, has tracked various government projects. He emphasized that international aid spending in rural communities promotes open government and efficient service delivery.

Muhammad added that the campus tour aimed to educate and sensitize students about the importance of project tracking and governance. The campus tour is part of the ‘Deepening Citizens’ Interest in Government Spending and Addressing Accompanying Corrupt Practices (DeSPAAC)’ project, supported by the MacArthur Foundation.

Muhammad further explained that the campus tour sought to empower students in higher education institutions to demand accountability and transparency in their immediate environments and from the government. As part of this effort to combat corruption, the event featured a panel discussion covering topics such as social responsibility, social accountability, community service, and social consciousness. Panelists included representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Hadiza Umar, the Citizens Co-Chairman of Open Government Partnership, stressed that since the Kaduna Government had joined the OGP platform, citizens, including students, must actively participate in governance. She encouraged students to assume a responsible role in governance to secure a better future for themselves.