In commemoration of International Youth Day, marked every year on August 12th, a youth-driven political party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has organized an event to celebrate and honor this day.
The event not only gathered political dignitaries but also those who have been in support of the youths being in the seat of power, including the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, the Action Alliance’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dr. Hamza Al-Mustapha, and the National Youth Leader, Hon. Uchechukwu Ogbonna.
Also, several corps from different LGIs were present for the event. The event was held at the party’s head office in Wuse 2, Abuja.
The National Vice-Chairman, North-East, SDP, Hon. (Pharm) Wafarniyi Theman, was also in attendance and gave the keynote address during the event.
In his address titled “Equipping the Youth for Leadership: Gap-bridging Tactics for Political Participation,” he highlighted the importance of harnessing youth energy for national development, a pathway to a sustainable future in the country.
Hon. Theman advised the youth to participate more in politics. Even though digital technologies facilitate bridging the gap, creating opportunities, and spurring innovation, political participation remains a greater tool for youth in Nigeria.
Also, Dr. Al-Mustapha Hamza who was in attendance as the guest speaker, spoke on The “Role of Young People in Shaping Nigeria’s Future: Challenges and Opportunities”, noting that investment in the youths remains the best investment for Nigeria.
Dr. Hamza pinpointed poor leadership as one of the Youth’s biggest challenges and further urged them to continue asking and seeking answers from leaders.
“The youth must be united in their struggle, and unless you are united, there will be stagnation. If the youth can unite there will be no need for protest, when the time comes for election, use your number to elect those that you want,” he said.
While giving his goodwill message, Engr. Kingsley Okafor who was also awarded, emphasized the need for the youth to develop and harness a strong character and attitude in order to be able to lead the country.
Others who also gave goodwill messages included, Veteran actor Steve Eboh, popularly known as Ajebo. He noted that power is not given, it is taken but responsibility is given, stressing that the youth needs tutelage in order accomplish that.
In his parting note, High Chief Godwin Osigbeme urged the youth to always contest with their Personal Voters Card (PVC) if they truly want to make a change and difference.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards by National Welfare Secretary Amb. Judith Israel Shuaibu, to which the National Party’s Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, was awarded, along with Dr. Al-Mustapha Hamza and Alhaji Muritala Yakubu.
