Date: 2021-01-02

Some youths, comprising of young professionals in Kwara state under the aegis of Kwara Emerging Leaders(KEL) who claim to have the capacity and competence have begun aggressive move to take over the leadership of the state in the very nearest future.

The convener, Mr Seun Awogbenle flanked by other members of the executives among the teaming members at a press conference in Ilorin yesterday said though they knew the task would not be easy, capable hands have been identified across the wards in the 16 local government areas of the state to start mobilisation of more members.

He said, "the Kwara Emerging Leaders, as a group of conscientious and result-oriented young people, is only out to protect the interest of Kwara's young people. All our actions and engagements, and even relationship with political parties and politicians, will be guided by this vision. We consider as many people who are committed to youth emancipation and total inclusion in the politics and governance of Kwara State as friends and allies."

He also noted that "It is within the understanding of our role as pioneers and avatars that we have come together as a group of young professionals who are deeply passionate about politics, public service, policy and governance.

"As young people, we have a conscious awareness that our lives are only as good as the quality of political leadership.

He stressed, "Our objectives would include the evaluation of government policies in order to offer compelling policy suggestions, engage political leadership, build leadership capacity and grassroots mobilisation.

" It is quite important to add that the most important aspect of our work is that of mobilisation. We have already commenced work and have started the recruitment of young people to form a strong political network that can demand and support candidates who have the capacity, character and competence to lead the way to the glorious future we envisage, both for ourselves and the generations to come.

"We would build structures in all the 16-local government areas, 193 wards and over 1000 polling units in Kwara State. This is going to be a youth-led mobilisation.

Seun also said," There is strength in numbers, Nigerian youths have the numbers to cause real change and progress, it is time to organize, mobilize and rally ourselves for progress. We can be the generation that ends poverty, hunger, hardship, injustice, corruption, failed leadership, modern-day slavery, failed promises and recycled leadership!"

He said, "Estimated at over 60 million people, Nigerian youths represent more than one-third of the country's population. It is, therefore, normal and expected that young people be mainstreamed into political party processes and decision making.

He noted that " Aside from our population, every decision of government affect young people directly. We are the ones that will be around longer to benefit or suffer from all the actions of the government. We, therefore, consider it a necessity that we are given fair and equitable representation in matters that concern our future.

He said, "The old political order must understand the need for us to work together so that we can jointly lay the foundation for a brighter economic future.

"By advocating for youth inclusion, we do not claim that it is a magic wand or that suddenly all our problems will disappear once we achieve inclusion. Rather, what we are saying is that a greater population of young people who have the capacity, competence and ability should be provided a seat at the table.

"As young people, we believe it is time to evolve a new political order,