The Economic Community of West African States Youth Council has encouraged the organization’s new chairman, Bola Tinubu, to prioritize the advancement of young people throughout his term in office.
The EYC applauded Tinubu, who is also the president of Nigeria, for pledging to make the ECOWAS’ priority problems putting an end to coups, and preserving peace and security in West Africa, particularly in Francophone countries.
The President of the EYC, Dr. Oluwaseun William, spoke at the inauguration of Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo as ECOWAS Youth Ambassador in Abeokuta.
William highlighted the youth council’s willingness to speak with Tinubu on ways to ensure youth participation in ECOWAS governance after highlighting the role of youths in society, nation-building, and maintaining peace in the West African sub-region.
He stated that moving forward, the organization would support young people’s involvement in politics, economic growth, regional integration, and education as part of efforts to advance youth into positions of leadership and decision-making.
Adeyemo underlined the need to maximize the potential of young Nigerians in his acceptance speech.
“The typical Nigerian child had their future robbed and looted,” he claimed, “so our current government must take immediate action to close the enormous gap between the young and the old Nigerians in terms of political representation.
“The President’s picks must give the typical Nigerian youth a sense of belonging. Only young people can ensure an efficient and effective delivery of the Nigerian future.”
When a revolt starts, “these youths, if properly chosen, can always be used as frontline agents of bargaining powers for government, as well as to ensure quality and energy-filled governance.”
Adeyemo, who serves as Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited’s chief executive officer, also received the EYC’s Nelson Mandela Leadership for Excellence and Integrity Award during the occasion.
