Ika Weekly Newspaper
Former Chairman of Ika South Local Government Council, Hon. Hillary Ibude, has condemned political leaders who fail to promote youth inclusion in governance, describing such attitudes as selfish and harmful to national development.
Ibude made the statement during an enlarged meeting of the Progressive Ika Youth (PIU), where he stressed that Nigeria’s future depends largely on how effectively young people are empowered through education, employment, and active participation in politics.
According to him, any politician who deliberately hinders the political growth of young people is acting out of selfish interest.
“Any politician who does not want the youth to grow politically is a selfish politician,” he said.
He further argued that it is contradictory for leaders to profess love for the people while denying young citizens the opportunity to occupy positions of authority.
“You cannot claim to love your people while actively neglecting or suppressing them from occupying positions of authority that will shape their future,” Ibude stated.
He called for increased youth participation in leadership, noting that such inclusion would strengthen governance and promote community development.
Ibude also highlighted persistent challenges facing young Nigerians, including unemployment and limited access to elective positions, describing them as major obstacles to national progress.
He urged young people to become more politically conscious and demand accountability from their leaders.
“The youth must begin to ask tough questions and reject leaders who do not have their interests at heart,” he added.
The APC chieftain commended the convener of the meeting, Comrade Clement Ebie, for organizing the forum, which he said was aimed at reshaping the mindset of youths toward leadership and political engagement.
Meanwhile, some youths at the meeting called for structural reforms that would expand opportunities for young people in politics and governance.
