Youth Parliament Wants Presence In States

The Nigerian Youth Parliament, has called on State
Governments to establish youth parliament at the state level.

The Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Miss
Chidinma Okonkwo, made the call in Awka recently when she visited the state
Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Edozie Aroh.

Chidinma noted that the existence of the parliament in the
states would deepen democratic practise and engender greater political
participation among the youths.

“It is long overdue that youth parliaments be established in
the states. That will give the youth greater sense of belonging and help
permeate democratic values at the grassroots.

“It will also enable youths to make input on issues that
affect them in the society,” she said.

The deputy speaker recalled that the late President Umar
Yar’Adua established the youth parliament in 2008 because of its immense
benefit to the country’s democracy.

Responding, Aroh commended the youth parliamentarians for
their efforts to build a better image for the nation’s youths and encouraged
them to continue to channel their energy to positive activities.

Aroh said he would forward their request to the governor of
the state, Mr Peter Obi and promised that his ministry would support activities
that would impact positively on the development of the youths in state.

“We will like to have youth parliament in Anambra and I am
sure the governor will like to be the first to establish it at the state
level,” he assured.