THE BUHARI CABINET AND THE ISSUE OF YOUTH INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE

THE BUHARI CABINET AND THE ISSUE OF YOUTH INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE

Gradually, the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari is rolling into its second month and certain similar patterns with the first term are beginning to evolve. Like the first term, we are yet to get a hint of cabinet appointments and even the kitchen cabinet which usually includes the Chief of Staff and the Press Secretaries are yet to be announced.

Hence, we are in a situation where we are not sure under which capacity certain people are issuing statements on behalf of the Federal Government, particularly when we are all well aware that their previous appointments graciously terminated with the just concluded first tenure of the president on May 28, 2019.

Majority of Nigerians are hoping for a new lease on life through the injection of some fresh blood in the cabinet. More importantly, considering that our youth demographic represents more than half of the entire population of Nigeria, the president must now determine to use this administration to properly bridge the gap between the more experienced hands as well as a healthy mix of the younger and eager minds of the youth populace.

As a matter of fact, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA’s) World Fact Book claims that over 61% of Nigerians are below the age of 24. Across the globe, young Nigerians are excelling in various fields of endeavor, lighting new paths, breaking boundaries in science, sports, Information Technology, Fashion, Entertainment and even the academia. These are no longer exceptions; it is more of a norm to hear of the exploits that our young people are doing from Lagos to Los-Angeles.

Therefore, we can no longer be defined by the few bad eggs who have resorted to crime or fraud and have one way or the other mainstreamed themselves as the definition of the Nigerian Youth: Lazy, entitled and jobless. No, the hardworking and ready to serve outnumber this few bad elements.

In line with global leadership dynamics, positions beginning from the Minister for Youth and Sports need to be handed over without further ado to a competent young Nigerian well within the definition of the African Youth Charter, which situates the period of youth as between the ages of 15 and 35.

In Africa, we have seen Botswana appoint the 30-year-old Bogolo Joy Kenewendo as its Minister for Investment, Trade and Industry. 34-year-old Kirsty Coventry, an Olympic Gold medallist was equally appointed as the Minister for Youth, Sports, Art and Recreation in Zimbabwe.

We have seen more of these appointments in other African countries including Mali as well. If we want to break the table completely, we may also consider the likes of Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui who was appointed the Minister of State for Youth Affairs in the United Arab Emirates at the age of 22. For emphasis, she was born in 1993.

The fact is that the president must create avenues for inclusion, participation and mentoring for Nigeria’s capable young people. While we understand that nobody owes us anything, it would only be fair and equitable to reach above and beyond to pull competent and hardworking young Nigerians up the ladder as well. The society works better for generations when we look back and give back.