By Mohammmed Ahmed, Bauchi
A non-governmental organization, NGO, Lead Generation Initiative, LGI, has trained 75 youth from Bauchi and Gombe states on active participation in the socio-political process in the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the two days training on Friday in Bauchi, Mr Shina Peller, the Chairman Board of Trustees of the NGO, said the organization’s desire is to provide opportunities for the youths to get actively involved in socio-political and economic processes.
Peller who is also a member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola and Iwajowa constituency of Oyo state in the House of Representatives, explained that the training tagged, ‘Get Involved Leadership Training’ was meant to promote youth involvement in politics.
He explained that the organization was established to create opportunities for young people to channel their creativity, energy and aspirations to add value to their communities.
“We are aware that the voice of every young Nigerian needs to be heard. We want to galvanize, train, support and raise the voices and stake of the Nigerian youth.
“We are building a new generation of young people that take responsibility for fixing their communities and country through active participation in the socio-political process”, he said.
He noted that the Initiative intended to be Nigeria’s foremost organized movement for socio-political, economic and cultural change and development.
He urged the youth to take their destiny into their hands and run for various elective offices in the next elections.
The Chairman said the training was expected to hold in all the 36 states of the federation and FCT, with Oyo state as a maiden edition.
Also speaking, the NGO’s secretary, Mr Ekpa Stanley said the training was sponsored by them, adding that Yiaga Africa was engaged to teach and enlighten the participants.
He stated that the NGO sponsor different types of training including youth, women’s leadership development program and creativity and craft program aimed at supporting youth entrepreneurs.
Responding on behalf of the participants, Mr Uzaifa Musa said the training was an opportunity for the youth to explore their skills on rebuilding Nigeria.
Musa commended the organisers of the training, saying skills provided would go a long way for the youth to actively participate in economic change and development of the country.