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Across globe, youth are gradually accepting the need for them to get involve in the political process of their society.

Their long abstinence in politics have caused devastating hurt to their interests as not only did the old order persisted but the decision on the future have been left with those who have no stake.

Disturbingly, however, is that Nigerian youth have not been convincing enough that their participation in politics will halt the uninspiring attitudes of the past.

Unlike their counterparts in other countries, Nigerian youth are still lost in the shadow of older order. Instances abound how misguided orientations have marred youth participation in politics, causing further mistrust in their capacity to take charge of the future.

Even more worrisome is the disposition of some youth to politics.

They show endless disdain for politics and watch things slide but are always quick to pick faults when social and economical target go awry. That posture have to change.

No doubt politics sounds obnoxious. Even some people refers to it as a dirty game.

However, youth must realize their core role in shaping events in our society and defining the future, hence, they must get themselves involve.

As much as getting involved in politics is important, youth must clearly define their targets and goals.

It is unfortunate that youth are easily misguided for disruptive purpose in the political process.

From being deployed as thugs, ballot snatchers and other irresponsible characters, youth participation in politics have been manipulated to leave sore experience.

But this narrative can be corrected if necessary orientation is applied. The misguided orientations needed to be countered with right ideology that sways toward remedy. Youth needed to understand the value of their political participation and the right way to go about it.

Thuggery, bribe-for-vote and other disorderliness are attitudes they must shunned.

Available statistics confirmed their numerical strength to dictate the political climate if they rally each other to participate in politics, however, not as disruptive element.

France President, Emmanuel Macron, is a clear proof of what youth participation in politics can achieved. While it may take sometime but as usual, a journey of 10,000 miles begin with a step.

Overtime, there have been passionate concerns on the level of inclusion of youth in governance. These concerns have become more reinforced with the obvious ditch of youth in governance consideration, which has in recent time fuelled agitations.

Though, youth are believed to form major segment and an indispensable ingredients in Nigeria’s democratic process, but that has yet to translate into their inclusion in governance. When available statistics credited them for two-third of votes that decides whoever hold political office(s) in the country, youths are still ignored when considerations for governance is made.

Just recently, an advocacy for youth inclusion in governance birthed the #NotTooYoungToRun bill, which the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari worked on to be part of our law. If not for anything, the campaign summed up the frustration of youths to their deliberate exclusion from governance.

Gradually, the days of youths been reduced to dirty roles of creating violence and terrorizing people with opposing views to supposed pay masters is fast fading. They have come to the realization that they hold the ace in determining the tune and dimensions of the political space and as such, should stop being lackey to the old order.

It is incontrovertible that youths are possessed with dynamics creativity, talents and energies, which if given the platform to explore, will add more value to governance. More so, not considering youth input into policy formulation which bears directly or indirectly on them, have contributed immensely to the major challenges facing Nigeria as a nation.

Though, some have argued that policy-making should be restricted to ‘Aged Professionals and Experienced’, but it is obvious that most of our challenges are new and exploring fresh ideas and zeal would give more clarity to solutions. Nigeria is blessed with brilliant and exceptional minds, whose inclusion to governance will make a significant difference.

Without mincing words, youth inclusion in governance will expose and guide them to better understand the task of nation building process and improve their patriotism zeal. By involving and empowering young brains through the political process, they tend to develop important skills, improve self-confidence and some sense of belonging in governance while taking home a greater understanding of governance that is important in both newly formed and well-established democracies.