COP29: APC youth leader calls for youth Inclusion in African governance

From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

The North West Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulhamid Umar Muhd, made a passionate appeal for African leaders to prioritize youth inclusion in policymaking and governance.
He asserted this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The statement stated that the APC youth leader who was at the 29th United Nations Climate Change and Conference of Political Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, emphasized the need for deliberate efforts to engage young people in decision-making processes, particularly in addressing critical issues like climate change.
Representing Nigerian youths on the global stage, Abdulhamid noted that African youths are brimming with innovative ideas that could drive the continent’s development but are often sidelined in governance.
“Young people are not just beneficiaries of policies; they are critical stakeholders in shaping them. Their creativity and innovation are key to solving global challenges, including the climate crisis,” Abdulhamid said during his presentation.
He highlighted the contributions of Nigerian youths, particularly in climate-related innovations such as renewable energy projects and eco-friendly technologies. However, he lamented the lack of recognition and support for these initiatives, stressing that Africa’s progress hinged on unlocking the potential of its youths
“From recycling innovations to sustainable energy solutions, Nigerian youths have already shown their capacity to lead the fight against climate change.
Yet, their voices remain underrepresented in governance and decision-making,” he added.
“We are aware that over $1bn that should have been retained in Nigeria if all insurance practitioners are given the option of the right of first refusal (insurance being more about risk bearing and sharing) is being taken abroad, which affects the nation’s economy, thereby always weakening our insurance sector and depleting our foreign reserve.
“These breaches and infractions have given rise to excessive cession and retrocession of businesses in breach of the Local Content Act to the extent that 90 per cent of the risks of some Federal Government organisations are placed outside the country.”
He added the effect of this development “Has led millions of families of the deceased Federal Government’s personnel that are the beneficiaries suffering because they were not paid the entitlement of their breadwinners.”