2019: Groups canvass safe space for youths

As part of activities to commemorate the 2018 International Youth Day, some civil society groups have advocated for safe spaces for youths ahead of the 2019 general elections. The call was made at an event by Helpline Foundation for the Needy in collaboration with MC Tagwaye Foundation, Brekete Family, and Echoes Africa Initiative, in Abuja, recently. The NGOs expressed worry that despite the intellectual and numerical strength of youths in the country, they were still relegated to the background in the political space, noting that the time to change the narrative was now. Speaking during the event, Founder, Helpline Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, harped on the need for the youths to be engaged, educated and entertained, just as she emphasized that the hope of this country rest with the youths. “It is time the youths participate in the scheme of affairs, so that they can contribute their quota positively in the development of our nation, Africa and the world at large in line with 2018 theme. “As it has been recognised, youths need safe spaces where they can come together, engage in activities related to their diverse needs and interests, participate in decision making processes and freely express themselves,” Ahmadu said. Speaking on the sub theme: “Creating and utilizing safe spaces for youths towards the forthcoming general elections”, Founder, MC Tagwaye Foundation, Prince Uche Ingawa, stressed that the recent activities in the nation’s socio-political and economic space, buttressed the need for youth involvement in creating sustainable process for national development. Ingawa noted that it had become paramount for young people to synergize and create the kind of future that the youths desire, noting that today’s youths have been spoon feed for a long time and there is urgent need to get into the kitchen to prepare the kind of meal their souls crave for. “It is time we shun political violence and embrace peace among ourselves as we climb the ladder of making our democracy stronger and effective for the benefit of Nigerians,” he stressed.