The need to create a level playing ground before, during and after elections in the state for Youths, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter is seeking partnership with the state Independent National Electoral Commission.
The NYCN in the state under the leadership of His Youthfulness, Amb. Usman Ogohi Samuel led his team of Executives in a courtesy visit to the office of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Kogi State.
In his opening remarks, the NYCN boss thanked the state INEC for her level of transparency and professionalism displayed in recent elections carried out in the state.
Amb. Usman however made demands of youth inclusiveness in the programs of the Commission, stressing that the strength of youth in the state which is over 2.2 million is so much to be underestimated.
He added that their is need for partnership with the Council to enhance sensitisation program in electoral proceedings and the rights of youth in the electoral system.
Usman further added that because youth in the state has been kept under the dark in some of the electoral procedures, hence the factor responsible for youth restiveness before, during and after election.
Another demands he made was the need for voters registration across the local government areas of the state to be made easy for all to carry out.
The Council boss stress that that the NYCN should be trained on the online voters registration to help them educate and participate in the registration of youth in the grassroots who have little or no know about ICT.
He assured the Commission boss that the NYCN are more than ready to cooperate and play their roles towards having a peaceful, transparent and fair election.
In his response the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof. James Iorliam Apam thanked the state NYCN for the visit.
According to him youth in the country has a key role to play towards the development of the country, hence the need for them to he organised and articulate in its mandate.
He further disclosed that youth in the country posses a strong numerical strength which if can leverage on it, they can be begin to impact the necessary changes they crave for.
Prof. James added that the state Commission would give it necessary support in the demands made while assuring them of adequate synergy and Corporation of the state INEC commission.
Aturu Bishop
Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman
National Youth Council of Nigeria
Kogi State.