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Type
Declaration
Author
samson
Posted
March 22, 2010
Categories
Human Rights
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REPORT OF THE NORTHERN YOUTH DIALOGUE ON ELECTORAL REFORM ORGANIZED BY
YOUTH ACTION INITIATIVE AFRICA WITH SUPPORT FROM INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN
INSTITUTE ON 1ST JULY 2009 @ CREST HOTEL, JOS
The Northern Youth Dialogue on Electoral Reform organized by YAIA with support from International
Republican Institute drew over 83 participants from 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The dialogue began on the 1st July 2009 at 10:15am with the recitation of the National Anthem and an
opening prayer by Mohammed Awwal Musa from Maiduguri.
The objective of the dialogue as financed by International Republican Institute was to deepen the
understanding of young people in the north on the electoral reform process with a view to developing a
position paper to reflect their views and opinions on the electoral reform. The dialogue was representative
in scope, drawing participants from youth groups, civil society organizations, women groups, people with
disabilities, media and development partners. Participants were selected from 19 northern states and the
Federal Capital Territory.
The Dialogue was attended by distinguished personalities like Country Director IRI Dr. Mourtada Deme,
Deputy Governor of Plateau State Chief (Mrs.) Pauline Tallen represented by Hon. Diket Plang (SA to the
Deputy Gov. on Inter-governmental Affairs), Speaker Plateau House of Assembly represented by his Chief
of Staff Barr. Albert Shwangyil Arch. Bishop Ignatius Kaigama represented by Rev. Fr. Oscar .J. Pam, Hon.
Dino Melaye, Dr. Saddiq Abba (Pol. Sci Dept Uni-Abuja), Barr. Festus Okoye, Dr. Habu Galadima, Dr.
Shedrack Best, Prof. Nnamdi Aduba, Dr. Dele Seteolu (UniLag), Andy Iyah (IRI), Sanusi Ibrahim (IRI),
Boniface Kassam, Yemisi Ilesanmi (NLC), Anamu Mubin Rotimi (Disabled group, Lagos)
The opening ceremony received a welcome address by the YAIA President Mr. Samson Itodo. He
reaffirmed the urgent need why young people should be seen at the forefront pushing for the electoral
reform. He eulogized the International Republican Institute for supporting the electoral reform and youth
development in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Country Director of IRI, Dr. Mourtada Deme pointed out that youths are very important
to the society and need to be adequately supported and involved in the electoral reform. He charged
participants to think of what they can contribute to the process instead of sitting on the fence. In his
words: The democratic principle is that everybody is equal before all and therefore, they must not only be
recipients but must be actively involved in evolving political, social and economic reforms.
The Deputy Governor of Plateau, Speaker Plateau House Assembly and Arch Bishop Ignatius Kaigama
speaking through their representatives, thanked the YAIA & IRI for organizing the event in Jos and
charged participants not to relent in their struggle for deepening Nigeria’s democracy through electoral
reform.
The keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Saddiq Abba (Pol.Sci Dept UniAbuja). In his address, he
highlighted the factors responsible for the total neglect of the youth by government. He encouraged
youths to take a firm stand on issues that affect their well being for nation building.
The first session focused on the Youth Engagement and confidence in the electoral reform process. The
discussants include Hon. Dino Melaye, Shamaki Gad and Anamo Mubin Rotimi. Their presentations reechoed
the need why youths should wholesomely and actively participate in the Electoral Reform going on
the country.
The second session commenced after tea-break. The session centered on an overview of the ERC
Recommendations and the Executive Bills with Dr. Dele Seteolu (Pol. Sci Dept UniLag) presenting the lead
paper and Barr. Festus Okoye, Yemisi Ilesanmi (NLC) and Asuzu Echezona serving as discussants.
The third working session was on youth strategies for engaging parliament in the electoral reform process.
Dr. Habu Galadima was the presenter and Dr. Shadrack Best, Boniface Kassam (CISLAC), Elizabeth Hassan
(YAIA) served as discussants with Prof. Nnamdi Aduba moderating the session. The discussants made
presentations on key strategies youths can adopt in engaging the electoral reform process.
The dialogue concluded with a Communiqué and formal establishment of a Northern Youth Coalition on
Electoral Reforms comprising youth organizations from Northern Nigeria represented at the dialogue.
Download
File: Communique of Northern Youth Dialogue on ER.pdf
Filesize: 41 KB
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 Related Events |
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NORTHERN YOUTH SUMMIT ON ELECTORAL REFORM
(June 10, 2009
- June 12, 2009
)
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Organization
This resource was created by:
Youth Action Initiative Africa
The organisation is involved in deepening the understanding of young people on democracy and good governance with the view of fostering active youth participation in the democratisation process. We are also involved in Advocacy of human rights and Mentoring programs.
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