Abuja: Dr Chibuzo Okereke, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has promised to implement a comprehensive and far-reaching agenda for youth development and institutional reforms if elected as the next Nigerian President. He stated this when the leadership of the Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) paid him a visit in Abuja. The engagement is part of the Forum’s Youth Dialogue Series with Presidential Candidates of all the political parties.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Okereke emphasized that Nigerian youth must not be regarded merely as instruments of political mobilisation during elections. He advocated for their direct participation in policy formulation, development programmes, legislation, and decisions that determine their present circumstances and future prospects. He promised that under LP leadership, Nigeria would be governed with a clear vision, positioning young Nigerians as drivers of governance and decision-making.
Okereke reiterated
his ‘Nigerians First’ vision, describing it as a governing philosophy anchored on prioritizing the Nigerian people over politics. He stated that his administration would be guided by the principle that government exists to serve citizens and improve their quality of life, rather than advancing narrow political, personal, or elite interests.
He proposed reforms to the Children Parliament, aiming to link early civic participation and leadership development with the broader objective of preparing young Nigerians for responsible citizenship. Okereke stressed the importance of cultivating civic consciousness, patriotism, responsibility, and democratic values through structured institutions.
A significant part of Okereke’s youth agenda focuses on access to finance. He proposed the establishment of a National Youth and Students Innovation Development Bank, designed to fund youth innovations, inventions, and service ideas. This initiative seeks to address the persistent barrier of inadequate capital access, which h
inders young Nigerians from transforming creative ideas into viable enterprises.
Delaw Chukwu, Chairman of the Forum, explained that the FNYLPPN embarked on the dialogue series to engage presidential candidates across political parties and understand their respective agendas for Nigerian youths. He emphasized that the forum’s objective is not merely to listen to campaign promises but to strategically engage candidates on the challenges confronting young Nigerians, interrogate their policy positions, and seek answers to critical national questions.
Chukwu highlighted that the forum comprises youth leaders from 22 political parties, boasting a membership strength running into several thousand nationwide. The organization’s structure extends across states, local government areas, and wards, providing it with significant national reach to facilitate meaningful conversations on the future of Nigeria’s youthful population.