Nigerian youth demand new narratives, call for political inclusion at the Nigeria Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders

(L – R) Chioma Chuka, Social Activist; Co – Founder & CEO, Connected Development (CODE), Hamzat Lawal; Mmanti Umoh, Social Activist; Ife Adebayo, Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Bukonla Adebakin, Chief Operating Officer, The Future Project at the Nigerian Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders in Lagos on 31 May, 2018.

Young Nigerians have called for more inclusion in leadership and governance at the fourth edition of the Nigeria Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders which took place today at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Organised by The Future Project, the event featured panel discussions on ‘2019 Elections: Are Nigerian Youth Prepared?’ with Mmanti Umoh, Hamzat Lawal, Ife Adebayo and moderated by Chioma Chuka; ‘Governance and Transparency, an Evaluation of the Current Administration’ with Asuquo Ekpenyong, Hon. Muhammad Sanni Abdullahi, Gbenga Sesan and moderated by Yemi Adamolekun.

(L – R) Co – Founder & CEO, Connected Development (CODE), Hamzat Lawal; Mmanti Umoh, Social Activist and Ife Adebayo, Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Innovation and Entrepreneurship at The Nigerian Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders in Lagos on 31 May, 2018.

Participants were also involved in extensive discussions on ‘Redressing Voters Discuss: My Vote or My Life?’ with panel members such as Ayisha Osori and Aisha Yesufu and moderated by Yemisi Adegoke, including a session on the the 'Viability of States in Nigeria: Strength or Weakness?’ - moderated by Tolu Adeleru-Balogun with Linus Okorie, Leonard Ebute, Chidi Okereke, and Dr. Oyeleke Ajiboye as discussants.

Themed ‘Shaping New Narratives’, the Symposium brought together leaders of thought and influential personalities in politics, business, advocacy, media, and more – to engage and discuss issues of governance, public policies, and civic engagement.

(L – R) Asuquo Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Finance, Cross River State; Gbenga Sesan, CEO, Paradigm initiative and Hon. Mohammed Sanni Dattijo, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Kaduna State at the Nigerian Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders in Lagos on 31 May, 2018.

As an annual knowledge-exchange and mentorship event between present and emerging leaders in government and the public sector to facilitate learning and youth inclusiveness, the annual event provides a platform for young Nigerians to engage public officials on democratic institutions and national development.

(L – R) Asuquo Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Finance, Cross River State; Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director, Enough is Enough; Gbenga Sesan, CEO, Paradigm initiative; Hon. Mohammed Sanni Dattijo, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Kaduna State at the Nigerian Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders in Lagos on 31 May, 2018.

Speaking at the event, the chief operating officer of The Future Project, Bukonla Adebakin, explained that the growing need for effective change in Nigeria highlighted the need for a theme that reflects the importance of elections and voters’ engagement in the country, while using the event to create a new sense of direction and renewed commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

“The 2019 elections can play an important role in creating a better future for Nigeria, especially when we can collectively defeat voter apathy and young Nigerians realise that through elections, we can truly pass the message about true governance and effective leadership. This is an opportunity for inter-generational dialogue and to seek feedback from those who hold the levers of power on the quality of their service and stewardship”.

Aisha Yesufu, Co-Convener, BringBackOurGirls; Yemisi Adegoke, Moderator and Aisha Osori, Social Activist and Gender Advocate at The Nigerian Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders in Lagos on 31 May, 2018.