2023: Youth clamor for Tinubu as SWAGA begins advocacy programme

A pro-Tinubu group under the aegis of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju 2023 (SWAGA’23) on Thursday began its Youth advocacy programme with a summit to mobilise millions of youths across Nigeria, particularly the Southwest region to support the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Bola Tinubu.

The event, held at Ilupeju Industrial Estate had a panel of youthful discussants including Niyi Gbodimowo, Damilola Marshal, Ahmed Agabiaka, Yemi Orija, Tope Adebayo, Dr. Seriki Muritala, Damilola Emmanuel, Lanre Okunlola and Seyi Olaoye who discussed the topic: “Youth Involvement In Nigeria Politics and Policies Through Capacity Building and Engagement”.

In his welcome address, the Lagos State SWAGA’23 chairman, Hon. Monsuru Owolabi Alao urged the youth to take a decision and be the change henceforth for a better Nigeria.

Also commenting, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Lagos State University Professor Olumuyiwa Noah challenged the youth to get involved to make an impact in Nigeria’s politics and policies, while his counterpart; Professor Yemi Oke of Faculty of Law, University of Lagos enjoined the youth to use the social media responsibly for political marketing, development, and gains.

He admonished them to fact-check and ask questions before posting and commenting on social media as well as refrain from cyberbullying or abuses against opposing candidates in a bid to market their candidates.

In her speech on parental roles in encouraging youth to participate in politics, Mrs. Nkem Sofela asked parents to mentor their children to be of good character in all that they do.

On his part, Senator Ita Enang, the immediate past senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs admonished the youth to be patient while learning the ropes in politics.

Citing his example of traversing every legislative curve from being a Councilor to a Senator in his career.

According to him; “ Many young people are not ready to learn the curves and most are eager only to climb trees from the leaves which will often lead to frustrating results. Therefore, do not be afraid to start at the lowest level, with consistency, perseverance, and loyalty, you will get to the top. Finally, ensure you have role models like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu”

The Director General of the Youth Directorate of Lagos Chapter of SWAGA’23, Hon. Deji Jakande called on every one of the voting age to obtain their permanent voters’ card (PVC) and be ready to vote for Tinubu in 2023.

The highlight of the occasion was the discussion by the panelists and the resolution that “For 2023 elections, based on his antecedents and his record of service to Lagos State when he was Governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the best for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not only are we ready to support him and mobilize votes in his favor, we equally call on him to ensure youth inclusiveness in his agenda as our next President as he did when he was Governor”.

The event had in attendance the leaders of SWAGA’23 such as Sen. Dayo Adeyeye, Hon. Oye Ojo, Hon Bosun Oladele the National Secretary, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Hon. Oloruntoba Oke, Hons. Gani Dauda, Eni Omosule, Gani Omaluka, Bakare, Ladi Owolabi. Akinniran Isaac.

Others were; Hon. Albert Akintoye, Hon. Akeem Muniru, Alhaji Ibrahim Raji, Hon. Ahmed Muhammed former Kogi State Deputy Speaker, Hon Razak Olusola Ajakaye the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo LCD, Hon. Mrs Tokunbo Fayokun, Hon Princess Bisi Adegoke, Hon Fatai Labaka, Hon. Kayode Opeifa, Hon. Bolanle Akinyemi Obe, Hajiya Fatimah Bello,Hons. Adewale Jafojo, Afeez Kasumu, Primate Charles Odugbesi, and a host of other notable politicians.

The Youth Advocacy programme is aimed at creating awareness and getting youth involved in politics and will continue from state to state across the country according to the secretariat of the group.