The Bridge Leadership Foundation(BLF) in partnership with the University of Calabar and the Nigeria Youth Future Fund (NYFF) has tasked students in Nigerian universities, in the South-South region to be actively involved in  politcs with ethics.

 

Speaking at the Civic Engagement summit which was held at the University of Calabar, Conference Centre recently, the Panelists who hinged their discourse on the topic' " Civic Participation: A Means of  Strengthening Democracy" urged students who formed the bulk of the Youth population to get involved in the nation's politics.

 

The Panelists bemoaned the lack of youth participation in the country's democracy stressing that the youths as leaders of tomorrow, must rise to contribute their quota by playing their roles and not sitting on the fence.

 

According to them, the youths must shun electoral malpractices such as vote buying in order not to subvert the electoral process, adding that, they should allow the will of the people to prevail.

 

While describing Nigeria as an indivisible entity bonded by unity in divesity, they urged the youths to desist from playing ethnic politics, saying it is inimical to the development of the country.

 

This came as they charged youths to work in unison for the overall interest of the country, maintaining that, their active participation in politics would contribute in no small measure towards shaping the polity.

 

Earlier in her remarks, the Administrative Manager, of Bridge Leadership Foundation, Cross River State, Miss Oluwafunmilola Ojo while welcoming participants to the event, said in tandem with the foundation's mission to engage and impact young people through various leadership programmes, the summit is aimed at creating awareness and encouraging political participation amongst youths in the South-South region of Nigeria.

 

She said the Nigeria Youth Future Funds and LEAP Africa believe strongly that the future growth of Nigeria is linked to having an educated, skilled, healthy and Politically active youth population.

 

While commending the University Management for the efforts towards youth empowerment and education, she appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi for providing a conducive environment for its programmes to thrive.

 

The Panelists at the summit comprise: Satina Harry, Executive Director, Paragons Initiative, Grace Ibor, Director, Strategic Fund Management & Alumni Affairs, University of Calabar and Mr Oyo Effiom, Founder Guru foundation