2027: Engage leaders with ideas, not violence – Senate Whip, others urge youths

… REHACMA insists Tinubu is delivering, assures on youth mobilisation for victory

By Jude Opara, Abuja

Nigerian youths have been advised to shun violence and other nefarious activities during the forthcoming general elections in 2027.

Senate Chief Whip, Muhammed Tahir Monguno, the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, and Renewed Hope Agenda Continuity Marshals
National Coordinator, Osawemwenhio Uwagboe gave the admonition during the official launch of REHACMA at Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja on Thursday.

Monguno who was also the Chairman of the occasion described Nigerian youths as vital stakeholders in shaping the future of the nation said they should have no business with violence and drug abuse just because of elections.

The Senate Chief further stated that the 10th National Assembly and the previous Assembly, through their legislative responsibilities, have taken care of the interests of Nigerian youths as key stakeholders in national development.

He stated, “Well, my advice to Nigerian youth is to shun violence, torture, and drug abuse in the course of electioneering and elections.
Rather, they should be enlightened and impartial youth who will engage leaders on ideas and on what they have for the people.

“The National Assembly passed that Electoral Bill in order to create a level playing field for youth to participate in governance. Again, the National Assembly passed the Student Loans Bill, the NELFUND Act, which was assented to by Mr. President.

“That was done by the National Assembly in order to prepare Nigeria youths and students. Because education is a backdrop, it is key for any developmental agenda, especially human capital development.
Education is very, very key. That is why the NELFUND Act was passed by the National Assembly and assented to by Mr. President in order to develop the youth and prepare them adequately for future roles and future leadership roles in society.”

Monguno praised REHACMA for providing a platform that enables youths to articulate their interests and collectively advance their concerns.

“One of the philosophical cornerstones of the Renewed Hope Agenda is to jealously guard and protect the interests of the youth. That is why, for the first time in the annals of the history of Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Tinubu has appointed more youths into leadership position.

“Before now, when ministers were appointed to the Ministry of Youth, you would see somebody who is 70 years old or 60 years old as Minister of Youth. Now it is not the case”.

In his goodwill message, the APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel encouraged Nigerian youths to actively participate in politics, notwithstanding the attendant attacks and criticism.

He stated, “And so today is not just a gathering of jolly good fellows. Today is the beginning of something great and important. The official national launch of a youth population platform supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda. It’s the launch of a movement that the youth wing of the party encourages, because we can’t do it alone.

“We need youths to get involved and we need more support groups to go out there and help us mobilize the grassroots. It is the beginning of another extension of our goal being achieved. As the youth wing, this is our priority.”

Earlier in his remarks, REHACMA
National Coordinator, Osawemwenhio Uwagboe called on Nigerian youths to play active role in shaping the future of the nation.

He emphasized that the REHACMA provides a structured avenue for youth engagement, capacity building, and support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“REHACMA exists for one clear reason: to sustain hope with action. We are young Nigerians from different political backgrounds who have chosen to come together because we believe Nigeria must move forward. We believe in the leadership that is working. We believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu”, Uwagboe added.