From Maurice Okafor, Enugu.
For improved performance and sustainability of the success recorded in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria,participants at a one day workshop recently held in Enugu,has called for mass involvement of Nigerians, including the women,youths and People
living with disabilities,in all democratic processes in the country.
The group comprising of some members of Civil Society Organisations(CSO),Select News men,People living with Disabilities(PWDS) and students etc,said all actions should be put on ground geared towards consolidating the gains of the 2023 General elections,through sensitization and advocacy models conversant with the various communities.
They gave this view at a one day workshop organised by ‘GLOBAL HEALTH AWARENESS RESEARCH FOUNDATION(GHARF) in patrnershiip
with the British Council titled”Promoting Inclusion and Enhancing Participation of Youths,Women and People with disabilites(PWDS) in Politics and Electoral process in 2023 and beyond in Enugu state.
Reflecting on the events prior to the February 25 and March 18 elections in Nigeria,participants agreed that Nigerians,especially the Youths and Women heeded to the clarion calls and oartook in the rigorous processes involved to register for voters card and it’s collection,thereafter.
To sustain the tempo,Participants agreed on forming advocate groups and device information dissemination models desired to convince Nigerians,especially those living in the rural areas to imbibe issues relating to electoral processes as a culture and their way of life,to enable them participate actively during the elections.
They tasked the authorities to always create an enabling environment devoid of conflict and violence,so as to enable the citizens turn out and participate massively in the electoral process within the periods.
Speaking on the topic,Young Leaders Connect project;The journey So far,the Executive director,Global Health Awareness Research Foundation(GHARF),Prof.Mrs Obioma Nwaorgu,discolsed that GHARF in partbership with the British Council empowered over 240 youths in Enugu state under the Youth Leadership Connect projects which lasted for three months.
She disclosed that the project was aimed at promoting inclusion and participation of Youths in the electoral and political processes in Enugu state beyond 2023.
Her words,”The young leaders connect project was a three month pilot project,implemented with the support of British Council and was implemented only in two states in Nigeria,Adamawa and Enugu states”.
