COMMUNIQUÉ
YOUTH SUMMIT ON THE 2011 GENERAL ELECTIONS
Preamble:
On April 28, 2010; youth organizations from the 36 states of the federation held a one-day summit on the 2011 elections with support from the International Republican Institute (IRI). The summit took place at the Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna. The event provided an opportunity for us, the Nigerian youth, to acquire knowledge on the rights and privileges we have to responsibly participate in the 2011 elections. The presentations and discussions at the workshop enriched our understanding of the responsibility we have as the future leaders of our country to positively contribute our quota towards achieving peaceful and credible elections in 2011. In addition to this were able to identify a number of things we can do, like civic education, to improve the participation of our peers in the up general elections.
The summit facilitated group discussions which focused on why and how Nigerian youth can get involved with political parties, what we can do about civic education, how we can contribute to peaceful elections in 2011 and how to monitor the entire 2011 electoral process and ensure its credibility. Our discussions were guided by some local, regional and international legal instruments, like the 1999 constitution, the African Youth Charter, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1976), the United Nations World Program of Action Youth to the Year 2000 and beyond.
Observations
Youth at the summit made the following observations:
1. Participants noted, discussed and identified the participatory right of youths in the general elections in Nigeria as provided by enabling laws.
2. Participants also identified, discussed and established the responsibilities of the youths to the state.
3. The participants noted that the leaders of Nigeria have failed to pass on to the youth good legacies, standards, and morals that will serve as a foundations for them to build better leadership; whereas youths are meant to be a vanguard of trust for elections not just in Nigeria but in all the countries of the world.
4. Participants admitted that there has been a great reluctance by the youth to take actions to ensure that they make concrete inputs in the electoral and leadership processes of the country.
5. The summit observed that there is a low appreciation of the need to embrace networking as a means of engineering lasting change in the Nigeria’s political processes.
6. Participants observed that a high percentage of Nigerian youth did not have valid voters cards, and stood the risk of not being able to vote in the 2011 general elections
7. Participating youth at the summit also observed that quite a number youth were not registered members of political parties and could not exploit the platform of any Nigeria’s 57 political parties to contest elections.
8. Summit participants noted that Nigerian youth have so far failed to utilize the knowledge and skills gained at workshops in the development and implementation strategy-based interventions in the electoral process.
9. During the discussions, it was clearly highlighted that there exist an absence of local structures of political relevance in Nigeria.
10. Participants lamented the low publicity and visibility of youth programmes and called on youth organizations to seek the assistance of development agencies like IRI to correct the anomalies
11. The participants observed that contrary to the request of the youth that the age benchmark for qualification to run for elective positions be reduced, the National Assembly passed the opposite by increasing the age benchmark. The youth’s request on this matter was contained in a memorandum they presented at the National Assembly public hearings on constitutional reform.
Recommendations
Having considered our discussions at the summit and stating necessary observations, we the Nigerian youth from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory resolve as follows:
1. There is an immediate need to further sensitize the youths on their rights in the 2011 general elections as provided by the enabling laws.
2. The Nigerian youth must answer the clarion call of dutifully exercising the responsibilities of a citizen to the state.
3. The youth must assume a leading role and serve as the vanguard of trust for every phase of elections in Nigeria
4. The youth should make emphatic inputs into the electoral and leadership processes of the country.
5. Measures should be put in place to ensure that the youth embrace participatory networking
6. That all youths should get registered to vote during elections to be directly involved in the election of their leaders.
7. We resolve also that youths should join political parties i.e. become card-carrying members of the parties to have a stronger influence on the political process.
8. That youth; especially youth leaders should make maximum use of workshops and seminars deploying strategy-based interventions to promote active youth participation in the electoral process.
9. That local structure of political relevance should be put in place in Nigeria by the government and the development agencies.
10. That youth organizations should engage more time and energy to liaise with development agencies and bodies like IRI, NED and NDI e.t.c to promote their activities
11. The youth should mobilize themselves to lobby their representatives in the state Houses of Assembly as well as trying other available options permissible under our law to ensure that the age limit for contestants into elective offices is reduced
Motion for Adoption of Communiqué
Moved by Nentawe Gomiyar of the Youth Advancement Initiative, Nassarawa road, Kaduna
Seconded by Ogaga Maxwell of the Dare 2 Dream Youth Initiative, Warri, Delta state.
Communiqué put to vote and unanimously adopted by 4:30 pm on April 28, 2010.
Friday, 30 April 2010
Thursday, 29 April 2010
YOUTH SUMMIT ON THE 2011 ELECTIONS
YOUTH SUMMIT ON THE 2011 ELECTIONS
@ Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna
Had a great time in Kaduna, connected with some old great friends and the DESPLAY family guys and also made new friends and expanded my network.
The Ancient city of Kaduna is a great city and I really enjoyed my stay.
The summit focused on 2011 elections, had an awesome opening speech by Bola Abimbola- Youngstars Jos. And Dr Mourtada Deme-IRI Country Director
The issue surrounding Youth and Elections was the high point of the one day summit, Dr Sadeeque Abba of the University of Abuja, set fire in our bones.
He said “the Nigerian youth have come to a point of frustration and compromise” but we have the opportunity to take 2011 in our hands. Gowon at 29 became a leader; Murtala Mohammed at 35 became a leader.
There are no elections without youths he said. Societies, nations and organizations are transformed by youths.
The way forward we need to Educate ad Enlighten ourselves as young people and then collaborate to set up platforms for youth engagement, because you would always need a platform.
The last quote was food for thought “There wise will suffer the rules of the fools if they cannot stand” Aristotle.
It is time for Nigerian youths to stand u, we cannot suffer the rules of any one who is not passionate about youth development and sustainable development.
The rights and responsibilities of the youths in 2011 elections was the focal point of discussion, and strategies were developed by various groups.
Nigeria Youths! Arise O Compatriot.
Ogaga E. Maxwell
Delta State Delegate
IRI Youth Summit on 2011 Elections,
@ Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna
Had a great time in Kaduna, connected with some old great friends and the DESPLAY family guys and also made new friends and expanded my network.
The Ancient city of Kaduna is a great city and I really enjoyed my stay.
The summit focused on 2011 elections, had an awesome opening speech by Bola Abimbola- Youngstars Jos. And Dr Mourtada Deme-IRI Country Director
The issue surrounding Youth and Elections was the high point of the one day summit, Dr Sadeeque Abba of the University of Abuja, set fire in our bones.
He said “the Nigerian youth have come to a point of frustration and compromise” but we have the opportunity to take 2011 in our hands. Gowon at 29 became a leader; Murtala Mohammed at 35 became a leader.
There are no elections without youths he said. Societies, nations and organizations are transformed by youths.
The way forward we need to Educate ad Enlighten ourselves as young people and then collaborate to set up platforms for youth engagement, because you would always need a platform.
The last quote was food for thought “There wise will suffer the rules of the fools if they cannot stand” Aristotle.
It is time for Nigerian youths to stand u, we cannot suffer the rules of any one who is not passionate about youth development and sustainable development.
The rights and responsibilities of the youths in 2011 elections was the focal point of discussion, and strategies were developed by various groups.
Nigeria Youths! Arise O Compatriot.
Ogaga E. Maxwell
Delta State Delegate
IRI Youth Summit on 2011 Elections,
Saturday, 7 November 2009
FD Pproject chosen for National Exhibition
Hi All,
My Sports Peace for Peace project have been chosen as one of the 70 projects for a National exhibition in Abuja
YOUTH WORK AWARD EXHIBITION ABUJA:
On behalf of the board and management of Youngstars Development Initiative (Youngstars Foundation) Jos, and Federal Ministry of Youth Development Abuja. I write with great delight to notify you that after a careful review of your responses to the “Youth Works Exhibition and Top 12 Award” application exercise, you have been offered a final Invitation to participate in the above mention events schedule to take place at the Conference Hall of Sheraton Hotel Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja from Thursday 12th and Friday 13th November 2009.
As you are aware, the Youth Works Exhibition is designed to showcase young and emerging Nigeria change makers that are very passionate about the development of Nigeria demonstrated through their community impact projects between January 2008 to June During the exhibition, about 70 young people would exhibit their projects from 10am to 1:30pm for a break after which the Top 12 Awards commence in earnest by 2:30pm to be led by the Hon. Minister of Youth Development and other dignitaries.
As one of the selected youths, this is a rare and life time opportunity to showcase your project and demonstrate your ability as a key contributor to the Nigeria nation. A Youth Works Photo Book 2009 is also being published to be distributed locally and internationally. Your selection has also given you a full page in the publication where your picture would be displayed and a short profile of your program and your email contact for those who may desire to reach you. We are as excited about this project as you are also.
Hey I am so glad and kudos to Forgotten Diaries
My Sports Peace for Peace project have been chosen as one of the 70 projects for a National exhibition in Abuja
YOUTH WORK AWARD EXHIBITION ABUJA:
On behalf of the board and management of Youngstars Development Initiative (Youngstars Foundation) Jos, and Federal Ministry of Youth Development Abuja. I write with great delight to notify you that after a careful review of your responses to the “Youth Works Exhibition and Top 12 Award” application exercise, you have been offered a final Invitation to participate in the above mention events schedule to take place at the Conference Hall of Sheraton Hotel Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja from Thursday 12th and Friday 13th November 2009.
As you are aware, the Youth Works Exhibition is designed to showcase young and emerging Nigeria change makers that are very passionate about the development of Nigeria demonstrated through their community impact projects between January 2008 to June During the exhibition, about 70 young people would exhibit their projects from 10am to 1:30pm for a break after which the Top 12 Awards commence in earnest by 2:30pm to be led by the Hon. Minister of Youth Development and other dignitaries.
As one of the selected youths, this is a rare and life time opportunity to showcase your project and demonstrate your ability as a key contributor to the Nigeria nation. A Youth Works Photo Book 2009 is also being published to be distributed locally and internationally. Your selection has also given you a full page in the publication where your picture would be displayed and a short profile of your program and your email contact for those who may desire to reach you. We are as excited about this project as you are also.
Hey I am so glad and kudos to Forgotten Diaries
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
DLTW CSOG 2009!
The Africa Leadership Forum (ALF) Ota, Nigeria hosted a Democratic Leadership Training Workshop for CSOs, CBOs, and FBOs on October 5th-9th 2009.The Workshop which brought together youth activists working on various areas of ICTs, Peace and Conflict resolution, Education, HIV/AIDS and Governance. The training featured sessions on the following concepts, understanding leadership, liberal democracy, Ethics and Values as well as Leadership tools.
Esther Eshiet represented the FD project at the workshop, she spoke about the project and its activities and encouraged other participants to follow the project on its website and other project tools.
LIP Debriefing Workshop-Ota, Nigeria
From September 28th -29th 2009,the African Leadership Forum (ALF) held the Debriefing workshop for participants of the Legislative Internship Programme(LIP).After the successful completion of their 21-day internship at the various Houses of Assemblies, participants converged at Ota, to share experiences and lessons learnt, review plans for the future and work out ways of sustainability of the network created.
The training session featured topics on Planning a Political career, Understanding Party politics, Volunteerism, Mobilization Strategies and Skills as a politician, Strategies for becoming a Parliamentary support Staff and Understanding Party Politics.
The various state teams presented their reports, Esther Eshiet presented for Cross River State, the event was wrapped up by presentations of certificates and a farewell party.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8291229.stm
NDPVF's Mujahid Dokubo-Asari was jailed for treason and freed in 2007
Hours after an amnesty for Nigeria's oil militants expired, the original group that began the unrest has gone to court, arguing the move is illegal.
The 60-day amnesty offered cash and training for fighters who disarmed.
A lawyer for the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force told the BBC he feared government forces would now "unleash terror" in the poverty-stricken Delta.
A BBC reporter says the group has been inactive for a few years, but its case may be intended as a rallying call.
Most prominent militant leaders have accepted the amnesty - part of government efforts to end years of attacks on the Nigerian oil industry.
But the BBC's Ahmed Idris in the capital, Abuja, says some militants in the oil-rich creeks are unwilling to give up their arms and lucrative oil-stealing business.
There is nothing to forgive here if you are fighting for the self-determination of your people
NDPVF lawyer Festus Keyamo
Will amnesty bring peace?
Profile: Mujahid Dokubo-Asari
The reverend Stephen Davis, a former adviser to two Nigerian presidents on the Niger Delta, also has doubts about the amnesty, saying that the underlying political and economic landscape has not changed.
He says there are still no jobs for disaffected youths, powerful people in Nigeria continue to make money form oil theft and political godfathers will still need young men with guns in order to secure their positions.
The officials behind the amnesty have branded Reverend Davis "a mischievous nay-sayer".
But a government spokeswoman argued that jobs and economic development would come now there is peace and security.
'Silence'
NDPVF lawyer Festus Keyamo told the BBC the amnesty deal was a calculated plot to divert attention from the region's under-development and right to self determination.
"They [NDPVF] are saying: 'Give us our resources to control, you have no right to control our resources on our behalf and no amount of intimidation or amnesty can make us lose focus of that fact,'" he said.
In the papers filed at the Abuja High Court, the group says President Umaru Yar'Adua does not have the power to grant pardons when nothing has been done wrong.
"Amnesty means 'We forgive you', but there is nothing to forgive here if you are fighting for the self-determination of your people," Mr Keyamo said.
He also said the group saw the amnesty "as a means to cow everybody in the Niger Delta into submission and silence".
NDPVF leader Mujahid Dokubo-Asari was an ethnic Ijaw leader who began fighting the government in 2003.
He took up arms after accusing Niger Delta politicians of failing to pay him and his group for helping to rig elections in that year.
He was jailed for treason in 2005 and during his two years in prison most of his fighters joined other groups in the oil-rich swamps.
Since his release he has lived in the capital.
Although Nigeria is the world's eighth-largest oil exporter, the unrest has prevented it from pumping much more than two-thirds of its production capacity.
Source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8291229.stm
Hours after an amnesty for Nigeria's oil militants expired, the original group that began the unrest has gone to court, arguing the move is illegal.
The 60-day amnesty offered cash and training for fighters who disarmed.
A lawyer for the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force told the BBC he feared government forces would now "unleash terror" in the poverty-stricken Delta.
A BBC reporter says the group has been inactive for a few years, but its case may be intended as a rallying call.
Most prominent militant leaders have accepted the amnesty - part of government efforts to end years of attacks on the Nigerian oil industry.
But the BBC's Ahmed Idris in the capital, Abuja, says some militants in the oil-rich creeks are unwilling to give up their arms and lucrative oil-stealing business.
There is nothing to forgive here if you are fighting for the self-determination of your people
NDPVF lawyer Festus Keyamo
Will amnesty bring peace?
Profile: Mujahid Dokubo-Asari
The reverend Stephen Davis, a former adviser to two Nigerian presidents on the Niger Delta, also has doubts about the amnesty, saying that the underlying political and economic landscape has not changed.
He says there are still no jobs for disaffected youths, powerful people in Nigeria continue to make money form oil theft and political godfathers will still need young men with guns in order to secure their positions.
The officials behind the amnesty have branded Reverend Davis "a mischievous nay-sayer".
But a government spokeswoman argued that jobs and economic development would come now there is peace and security.
'Silence'
NDPVF lawyer Festus Keyamo told the BBC the amnesty deal was a calculated plot to divert attention from the region's under-development and right to self determination.
"They [NDPVF] are saying: 'Give us our resources to control, you have no right to control our resources on our behalf and no amount of intimidation or amnesty can make us lose focus of that fact,'" he said.
In the papers filed at the Abuja High Court, the group says President Umaru Yar'Adua does not have the power to grant pardons when nothing has been done wrong.
"Amnesty means 'We forgive you', but there is nothing to forgive here if you are fighting for the self-determination of your people," Mr Keyamo said.
He also said the group saw the amnesty "as a means to cow everybody in the Niger Delta into submission and silence".
NDPVF leader Mujahid Dokubo-Asari was an ethnic Ijaw leader who began fighting the government in 2003.
He took up arms after accusing Niger Delta politicians of failing to pay him and his group for helping to rig elections in that year.
He was jailed for treason in 2005 and during his two years in prison most of his fighters joined other groups in the oil-rich swamps.
Since his release he has lived in the capital.
Although Nigeria is the world's eighth-largest oil exporter, the unrest has prevented it from pumping much more than two-thirds of its production capacity.
Source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8291229.stm
Monday, 5 October 2009
Niger Delta Amnesty Continues
Tompolo surrenders arms amid tears
From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE Warri
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tompolo
Photo: Sun News Publishing
More Stories on This Section
Ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemukpolor, a.k.a Tompolo broke down in tears on Sunday in Oporoza, Delta State, as he surrendered a large cache of arms and ammunition to the Federal Government.
Tompolo who had earlier in Abuja on Saturday embraced government’s amnesty deal for militants betrayed emotions at the arms while speaking at the surrendering ceremony witnessed by Defence Minister, Maj-General Godwin Abbe (retd), Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Presidential Adviser ion Niger Delta, Chief Timi Alaibe and the Amnesty package coordinator, Air Vice Marshal O. Olarire.
“I was compelled to drop weapons, this is my time and I will not abandon my people and this noble cause which I believe in. No doubt I have done my bit and I plead with all of you to continue with this struggle,” said that militant leader.
“It is a pity that some Ijaw youths betrayed and wanted to kill me. I am shocked that some of these people tried all within their power to thwart my effort, but I want to warn that they should not joke with the word and power of God,” the ex-warlord said amid tears.
While pleading for patience Chief Ekpemukpolo urged his people to give the Federal Government a chance to fulfill its promises to develop the region, assuring that all the buildings destroyed during the crisis would be re-built.
“I am not rich as people may tend to believe because I am yet to complete even my house in Warri, but I will continue to work for the good of my people,” said Tompolo, amid sobs which drew wailing from the crowd.
Tompolo told his boys to abhor sea piracy, pipeline vandalism and all forms of violence that will rather disrupt the peace process.
Among the items surrendered were GMG - six, AK47 – 14, FN – 71, G3 – 24, RPG – six, GMPG – five, RPGB – six.
Others are large boxes of arms ammunition, cartridges, heaps of dynamites, tear gas canisters, thunder flag and other items, which were as high as a mountain.
Speaking on the occasion, the defence minister restated Federal Government’s desire to develop the Niger – Delta, but warned that militancy would no longer be tolerated.
Abbe, who unveiled President Umar Yar’ Adua’s package for the battered region, stressed that government would not extend the presidential amnesty programme beyond 12 midnight on Sunday as effort was made to integrate their displaced war victims and the militants.
The minister, who was impressed by the huge turnout of people and a large cache of arms and ammunitions commended Tompolo for ensuring that the event was a success.
“This is no doubt a dream come through and I do know that this was done with a lot of courage, enthusiasm, patriotism and selflessness for peace to reign,” said Gen. Abbe.
“Government is ready now to develop the Niger-Delta but I want to plead to make this harmony to reign to make this heart warming peace process to be a reality,” the defence minister said amid thunderous ovation from hundreds of people that witnessed the historic event.
He said that all the militant leaders would soon meet with the presidential committee on amnesty to chart a way forward and integrate those of them who were ready to work or learn one trade or another or even going back to school.
“Time has come for us to sit and proffer solution on how permanent peace could be restored in the area. There is no other option to peace, hence we should all work and sustain the peace process,” stressed the minister.
Abbe commended Governor. Uduaghan and other members of the committee for ensuring that the amnesty was a success.
From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE Warri
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tompolo
Photo: Sun News Publishing
More Stories on This Section
Ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemukpolor, a.k.a Tompolo broke down in tears on Sunday in Oporoza, Delta State, as he surrendered a large cache of arms and ammunition to the Federal Government.
Tompolo who had earlier in Abuja on Saturday embraced government’s amnesty deal for militants betrayed emotions at the arms while speaking at the surrendering ceremony witnessed by Defence Minister, Maj-General Godwin Abbe (retd), Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Presidential Adviser ion Niger Delta, Chief Timi Alaibe and the Amnesty package coordinator, Air Vice Marshal O. Olarire.
“I was compelled to drop weapons, this is my time and I will not abandon my people and this noble cause which I believe in. No doubt I have done my bit and I plead with all of you to continue with this struggle,” said that militant leader.
“It is a pity that some Ijaw youths betrayed and wanted to kill me. I am shocked that some of these people tried all within their power to thwart my effort, but I want to warn that they should not joke with the word and power of God,” the ex-warlord said amid tears.
While pleading for patience Chief Ekpemukpolo urged his people to give the Federal Government a chance to fulfill its promises to develop the region, assuring that all the buildings destroyed during the crisis would be re-built.
“I am not rich as people may tend to believe because I am yet to complete even my house in Warri, but I will continue to work for the good of my people,” said Tompolo, amid sobs which drew wailing from the crowd.
Tompolo told his boys to abhor sea piracy, pipeline vandalism and all forms of violence that will rather disrupt the peace process.
Among the items surrendered were GMG - six, AK47 – 14, FN – 71, G3 – 24, RPG – six, GMPG – five, RPGB – six.
Others are large boxes of arms ammunition, cartridges, heaps of dynamites, tear gas canisters, thunder flag and other items, which were as high as a mountain.
Speaking on the occasion, the defence minister restated Federal Government’s desire to develop the Niger – Delta, but warned that militancy would no longer be tolerated.
Abbe, who unveiled President Umar Yar’ Adua’s package for the battered region, stressed that government would not extend the presidential amnesty programme beyond 12 midnight on Sunday as effort was made to integrate their displaced war victims and the militants.
The minister, who was impressed by the huge turnout of people and a large cache of arms and ammunitions commended Tompolo for ensuring that the event was a success.
“This is no doubt a dream come through and I do know that this was done with a lot of courage, enthusiasm, patriotism and selflessness for peace to reign,” said Gen. Abbe.
“Government is ready now to develop the Niger-Delta but I want to plead to make this harmony to reign to make this heart warming peace process to be a reality,” the defence minister said amid thunderous ovation from hundreds of people that witnessed the historic event.
He said that all the militant leaders would soon meet with the presidential committee on amnesty to chart a way forward and integrate those of them who were ready to work or learn one trade or another or even going back to school.
“Time has come for us to sit and proffer solution on how permanent peace could be restored in the area. There is no other option to peace, hence we should all work and sustain the peace process,” stressed the minister.
Abbe commended Governor. Uduaghan and other members of the committee for ensuring that the amnesty was a success.
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