Akwa Ibom Youths Charged to use Influential data in Engagement with Government
The youths of Akwa Ibom State have been urged to clearly communicate their needs to the government and enlist influential data to drive their causes when official action stagnates.
The call was made by Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) as part of the resolutions reached at the end of the Green Skill Symposium held in commemoration of the International Youth Day 2023.
The event which was organized by Clement Isong Foundation with funding support from ActionAid Nigeria and DANIDA on August 23, 2023, was held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
According to the communique issued at the event, the youths of the State have key roles to play as agents of change hence the need to be trained for proper engagement.
The organisation said to navigate policy implementation, the youths need to be proficient in engaging stakeholders and conducting power analyses.
CIF noted the establishment of systems promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity is needed to facilitate youth involvement in decision-making.
They called on the youths to proactively acquire relevant skills to contribute to socio-economic development rather than relying solely on governmental initiatives.
The organisation called on the youths to leverage digital platforms and social cohesion for effective advocacy and government influence.
They also challenged the youths to create eco-friendly products, such as vehicles and generators, to receive government support.
The communique added “Training and sensitization efforts were recommended to extend to rural communities for effective waste management.
” Youth were encouraged to utilize strategic partnership training to collaboratively engage stakeholders for meaningful state and community transformation.
” Participants were advised to take full advantage of funded programmes at local, state, and national levels while actively tracking their implementation.”
Earlier, the Executive Director of Clement Isong Foundation, Mr Elkanah Oluyori used the opportunity to introduce participants to the concept of Human trafficking, effective ways community champions can foster social cohesion to combat trafficking, as well as stay informed about changing dynamics in order protect friends, families and relations from trafficking.