Nigerian youth of 18 years and above have been advised to be more active in party politics and make tangible contributions to the socio-political development of their areas, in readiness to taking leadership positions, an All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial hopeful in Oyo State, Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan, gave the advice in Ibadan today.
Olaosebikan said beyond ensuring that Nigerians of 18 years and above register and collect their Permanent Voter cards, early participation by the youths in the politics and development of their areas is the only way of making real meaning out of the Not Too Young To Run Act recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking while unveiling the thematic ‘OJO OLA OYO’ signage proclaiming his governorship aspiration at the New Garage, Oluyole Local Government Area of Ibadan today, Olaosebikan said the essence of the act would be defeated if more youth do not take the bull by the horns and participate actively in politics.
According to the gubernatorial hopeful, greater participation of youth in politics would tremendously strengthen our democracy and accelerate development in various parts of the country as more quality, energetic and vibrant people would be involved in the process of governance and developing the country.
Apart from the gains to the country, Olaosebikan, a former local government chairman, stated that early participation of youth in politics and developmental process would prepare the youth for leadership as politicking would make them to be focused, bold, responsible, responsive and hard working.
For instance, the Oyo gubernatorial aspirant explained that a young man that sets his eyes on holding a political position in future would know that he has to be responsible at all times, be faithful in all relationships and associations, be hardworking and above all avoid any act or crime that could take him to jail which will automatically end his dream.
Olaosebikan commended the initiators of Not Too Young To Run Act, the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari for making it a reality.
The thematic signage of Olaosebikan reads: “ Ojo Ola Oyo’… from 18 and above, participate in the development and politics of your area…be involved! Support Kehinde Isiaka Olaosebikan for Governor of Oyo State.”
Kehinde Olaosebikan was formally adopted as the governorship candidate for Oyo State by Oluyole Local Government chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the 2nd of July and remains till date, the only candidate formally adopted by a local government for the 2019 gubernatorial election.
The National body of the Alumni Association of The Polytechnic Ibadan has also promised to mobilize all alumni and present students of the institution, the main higher institution of Oyo State in support of Olaosebikan.
