THE need for effective participation of youths in governance was re-emphasised at the Town Hall meeting held in Awka, the Anambra State Capital, by Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement, YIAGA, ahead of the 2019 general elections.
In her address on the occasion, the Anambra state Co-ordinator of the group Deborah Ezeagu identified consensus candidacy and the high cost of
nomination forms as a threat to the participation of youths in leadership elections, noting that it reflects lack of commitment to democratic principles and norms in the country.
Miss Ezeagu advised parties to uphold the principles of transparency, equity and fairness in the conduct of primary elections and urged youths to get involved and affect the desired change so as to create the society desired by all.
Also speaking one of the resource persons at the event, Mr Nonso Anene noted that youths are truly agents of development and called on them to start making positive contributions within their immediate environment.
Some of the participants including the Director ABS Film Academy Mr Paschal Osubor, Ifeoma Okoli and Jideobi Egbo among others, appreciated the organizers of the programme and called on youths to start vying for elective positions.