Abia group tasks NASS on quick passage of ' not too young to run bill'

www.odogwublog.com reports that Abia State- based youth organization, Vision Alive Foundation, has urged the National Assembly to ensure quick passage of the " Not Too Young to Run Bill" pending before it as it would engender active youth participation in the Nigeria political space.

The Coordinator of the group, Mr. Ikenna Ogbudimkpa who made the appeal during a solidarity visit to the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Haglar Okorie, said the bill , when passed into law, would enable youths within the age bracket of 25-35  to contest for more sensitive elective positions like the presidency and governorship.

He argued that Nigeria need vibrant youths within the above age bracket to occupy  positions of public trust to help navigate the country out of the woods which came as a result of antiquated policies of expired leaders.

Ogbudimkpa further contended that youths of that age bracket " are more proactive, innovative, and visionary" unlike many spent forces  currently steering Nigeria's  ship of leadership.

He solicited the support of the  lawmakers for an accelerated hearing and speedy passage of the bill.

The youth leader also pleaded for the support of the Ministry of Youth Development towards the actualisation of the project which he said would give Nigerian youths secure future.

Responding, the Commissioner assured members of the group his Ministry's support towards the realisation of the project.

He said  that youths should be offered the opportunity to make their contributions in the governance of the country, adding that Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has recognised the need to give youths their rightful position by ceding 75% of his appointments to youths.

The Commissioner noted that some reputable world  leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and even the immediate-past President of the US, Barak Obama all started as youths .