Youths in Plateau State have been urged to partner in peace projects and shun electoral violence before, during and after the 2023 general elections
The youths who were drawn from various communities within Plateau State held a monthly townhall “Gaskiya platform” organized by Bege Foundation in partnership with Peace Direct through LEGASI P4P held at the Augustinian training center, state low-cost in Jos, Plateau state on the 27th of October 2022.
In his opening remarks, Team Lead, Bege Foundation, Mr. Kenneth Attah, stated that the foundation established the platform in order to tackle issues affecting various communities as It relates to this month’s topic “Safer and peaceful communities: Youth conduct in curbing electoral violence, before, during and after 2023 general election”.
He added that justice will be done to all questions from participants by the various resource persons present as it relates to electoral issues in order to have a peaceful and smooth election.
Blogger, Matthew Tegha, a panelist discussant went on to encourage Youths to rise up to the current challenges, and be able to form clusters and call themselves to order while also entrenching the proper electoral behavior in the society.
Matthew Tegha said “In preparation to take over the mantle of leadership in the future, Nigerian Youths must be deliberate in promoting peace and shawn any acts of electoral fraud, corruption, and insecurity among others.
While commending the foundation for the timely event Mrs. Chinyere INEC focal person urged all youth to vote their conscience emphasizing that any politician promoting violence has nothing to offer.
“It starts from us (youth) realizing that being the leaders of tomorrow is by making an effort from today at the end of the day it comes down to us knowing why we are voting and getting engaged. For youths to be given a chance at leadership we must also get involved in political activities”. Matthew Tegha Added.
also speaking at the event, Bello Lukeman a unity FM presenter stated that political campaigns shouldn’t be about ethnicity religion or tribes but issue-based. He urged participants to go to camping grounds to ask troubling issue-based questions rather than hail political parties and political aspirants on past achievements.
“If we are ready for change then we must go from bottom to top as Nigeria is an institution that needs the whole body to function. the presidency is not the only solution the houses and gubernatorial offices should also be voted right” he added.
At the end of the program, participants gave their take home and promised to go back to their various communities and educate friends and family on the need to shun all forms of violence in the coming election.
“We youths are the problem and the solution when we accept that then things will get better. stop complaining stop blaming, and take a step”
“It’s time to change the narrative and make things right we might not be equal in religion culture or ethnicity but we are equal in humanity so let’s fight for humanity,” one of the participants said.
Other Speakers including, Prince Charles Dickson, The PPN Chairman Mr Pwakim amongst others, they all inspired the youths towards building themselves and choose leaders who will address youth based issues.
