Int’l Democracy Day: Nat’l Ass Of Sea Dogs Advocates Youth Empowerment Through Education
To advance the prospects of democracy and ensuring that the dividends of democracy penetrate to the ordinary citizens in the grassroots, there is the need for government and other stakeholders to prioritize empowerment of youth through accessable education.
This formed part of the submission of The National Association of Seadogs a.k.a Pyrates Confraternity Jolly Rogers Deck covering Oyo and Osun States in a statement issued to commemorate this year’s international democracy day.
The Oyo state Capoon, Jolly Rogers Deck, Mr Olufemi Adesope who signed the statement in Ibadan also urged governor Seyi Makinde led administration in Oyo state to take concrete actions on programmes needed to reduce the menace of school drop-outs in the state as well as child, street hawking and girl-child abuse across the state.
Mr Adesope also explained that democracy thrives better when youths are empowered and given the opportunities to voice out their opinions, even within the political space and in the decision-making process.
The statement reads in part:
“As a society- focused organization, the National Association of Seadogs considers this year International Day of Democracy as the most significant point of reference and beacon of hope for Nigeria’s projected development.
“This year’s theme “Empowering the next generation”, focuses on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world. In the same good spirit, Nigeria has been one of the African countries championing the standards of democracy in the African comity of Nations. It is good news that Nigeria has stood steadfast since the return to civil rule in May 1999. The 1999 transition of Nigeria from military to civil rule has continued to be a reference point to all neighboring African counties. This is evident in our 24 years of un-interrupted democratic rule.
“Therefore, in advancing the prospects of democracy and ensuring that the dividends of democracy penetrate to the ordinary citizens in the grassroots, it is important that we continue to think of empowering our younger generations and give more focuses to youths and young people alike.
“According to the African Union, there is an urgent necessity to transform the huge potentials of Africa’s large youth population into a demographic dividend and also realizing that the voices of the youth are more important and needed in every form of decision-making process and in national governance.
“It is on this note that our association – NAS – PC recognizes the critical role of education and mentorship in empowering the next generation of leaders. These steps are instrumental in equipping our young people, students and youths with the basic skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a democratic society.
“To ensure the actualization of this target, we are urging the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration to take concrete actions on programmes needed to reduce the menace of school drop-outs in Oyo state, child and street hawking and girl-child abuse across the state.
“One of the basic fundamentals of democracy is the right to access qualitative and publicly funded education as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the Nigerian constitution. In addition, is the freedom of expression and association which is further backed by the Nigerian Freedom of Information Act. Democracy thrives on these virtues, and can only get better when youths are empowered and given the opportunities to voice out their opinions, even within the political space and in the decision-making process. To us in the NAS-PC, youths are the beckons of the society and hence they must be included in governance in their good number, right from today.” Adesope added
