The Asaba Unit of the Civil Rights Council of Nigeria (CRCN) has called on the Nigerian youths to actively embrace their role in shaping the nation’s future.
The council emphasized that young people are crucial in demanding accountability, driving change, and building a more prosperous Nigeria.
The Asaba Unit Coordinator, Comrade Joy Edigbine made the appeal during the recent June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.
She highlighted the immense capacity of youths to challenge stereotypes, foster national unity, and advocate for positive change.
Comrade Edigbine (aka Small pepper) underscored that young people were key drivers of economic development, social progress, and political reform, especially when they embrace values of unity, promote peaceful coexistence, and challenge outdated social norms.
While making emphasis on the strength of the youths, the Urhobo-born activists acknowledged a significant hurdle impeding youth participation, citing them as lack of access to essential resources, stressing that it had limited their ability to make meaningful headway in changing national narratives.
She also charged the federal government to address the numerous challenges facing the nation, particularly the increasing rates of kidnapping, which she disclosed was a critical concern affecting everyone.
Comrade Edigbine commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms but asserted that their effectiveness hinged on the speed of implementation. “We are urging the federal government to expedite actions and enforcement of their prospect-yielding policies,” she insisted.
Recognizing while the reforms were in Nigeria’s best interest, youths often encountered barriers to participation, including insufficient awareness of their rights and responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, Edigbine expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, voicing a strong belief that coming years may bring significant achievements and unparalleled synergy toward unity with sound democratic values that will ultimately foster the development of Nigerian youths.
She also expressed deep worry over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for a complete overhaul of the nation’s security architecture to combat insecurity effectively.
“The federal government should brace up in the security architecture of the country and build confidence in Nigerians and the international community,” she added.
