Youth and gender advocate and Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Rinsola Abiola, has called on Governors and other leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support youth and women leadership, as doing so is key to securing the future of the party.
She urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise by the ruling party, and register as members of the party.
In a statement on social media platforms, Abiola, who commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing several young leaders into public office, stated that the active participation of young people in the political process is key to national development.
“Politics is not a spectator sport, and governance is not an abstract concept. It is the vehicle through which we determine the quality of our lives.
“For years, young Nigerians have advocated for a seat at the table, and under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that table is being expanded with the appointment of several young people into positions of authority. However, seats can only be occupied by those who are present.
“I hereby urge every young Nigerian who identifies with the APC and believes in a progressive, prosperous Nigeria to go to their ward and register to join the party.
“Sustained youth inclusion requires coalition building, and it is through our numbers that we will shape the affairs of our party and impact the course of national development,” she said.
Speaking to young members of the party, she urged them to revalidate their membership.
She also stressed the importance of young women’s participation, stating that it is essential to closing the gender gap in political leadership.
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“To the Young Progressives, the ongoing registration exercise presents an opportunity to revalidate your membership of the APC; and to my sisters—young women who identify with the APC across the country: I have always maintained that “young women are youths, too”.
“We stand at the intersection of two vital demographics – women and youths – and our perspectives are indispensable.
“Do not wait for an invitation to lead; this is your chance to actively contribute towards bridging the gap in women’s representation in political leadership in Nigeria,” she added.
She further encouraged young party stalwarts to vie for leadership positions within the party, stating that even if they do not succeed, they might go on to secure other opportunities.
“To our young party stalwarts who wish to serve through various leadership positions: the upcoming congresses represent a golden opportunity.
“I encourage you to not only participate as party members and supporters of different aspirants, but to also vie for party leadership positions at varying levels.
“Reach out to the relevant stakeholders, elders and leaders in your various states. Articulate your vision, demonstrate your capacity, and seek their mentorship and support.
“Leadership is earned through strategic engagement, and signifying interest could also help greatly with securing opportunities in future,” she said.
She further called on Governors and other leaders within the party to support youth and women candidates in line with the President’s desire to see both groups better represented in leadership positions.
“To our Governors and party leaders, we are grateful for the President’s unwavering commitment to youth inclusion and his clearly stated desire to see women better represented in the party’s leadership.
“To actualise this vision, we look to you to serve as the catalysts for this change by supporting youth and women candidates.
“By empowering young, competent and dedicated members, we are securing the future of the APC,” she said.
