By Christy Aboghe
The Founder of UJA Family Foundation, Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko has harped on the need for youths’ involvement in politics.
Ukodhiko, who was represented by Professor Peter Emaziye said this during the maiden edition of the Jamie Pajoel International, with the theme, ‘Inspiring possibilities’, in Delta State Youth Assembly in Asaba.
He said: “As a digital generation, with rapid innovation, their inclusion in politics is critical for the development of policies that will align with the needs of today’s developing world”.
He said that in the quest for good governance, it was the youth that were at the forefront suggesting strategic and innovative reforms, adding that their participation in politics was not about representation, but about injecting new ideas, energy and fresh perspective into the political system.
Ukodhiko, however, expressed regret over how the socio-political structure and process in Nigeria was skewed in favour of the retired elites in the military and the economic juggernauts, as those youths who managed to participate in politics were given selective political offices.
While highlighting challenges confronting the youth, Ukodhiko said absence of adequate skills and education and financial constraints was affecting the youths. He suggested inspiring them through the empowerment will encourage self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirit, equip their full potential towards ensuring continuous growth and development in themselves and their society.
Ukodhiko said there was a need to critically note the sectors through which the youths can be enlightened and productively engaged so as to discover their inner purpose of empowering themselves and through themselves empowering others.
He assured them of his foundation readiness to empower them financially, if only they were ready.
Speaking, the Director, UJA Family Foundation, Pastor Sunday Elueni said financial empowerment of youths will help grow them in entrepreneurial skills.
According to him, it was not the first of its kind as mentorship and empowerment is the core aim of the foundation.
Also speaking earlier, the founder of JPI, Dr. Jamie Pajoel urged the audience to draw strength from the JPI community by always having a positive mind and be eager to learn.
In the same vein, the state President, Israel Ewomazino Omanudhowho said the event, which was currently ongoing across 22 states in the country, was meant to empower and unite young people for innovative ideas, networking opportunities and mentorship.
