Youthgovtracka, a non-governmental organization focused on enhancing youth political participation, has called for partnership with the Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to further push its vision of advancing the cause of youth in governance.
The State focal person of the NGO, Mr. Ifeoluwa Onileowo disclosed the vision of the organization to reach out to the youth population and educate them more on political participation.
Onileowo who said the courtesy call became necessary since the media is a critical channel to educate, sensitize and mobilize youths solicited a partnership to amplify the voices of youths.
Responding, the chairman of the Union, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, highlighted the challenges youths face in politics, including the recycling of old politicians, which hinders youth participation.
Babatuyi who was represented by the Secretary of the Union, Comrade O’Seun Ogunsakin said youths must wake up and play active roles in the political processes, as this is the only way they can effectively have a voice in the governance structure.
He assured Youthgovtracka of NUJ’s support for effective campaigns and publicity.
Speaking further on the role of the media, the chairman identified the risks of relying solely on the new media which is unregulated and prone to causing security threat and cyberbullying and urged the leadership of the NGO to key into the programme of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), the academic wing of the Union, for individuals interested in media, journalism, and public relations.
He emphasized the importance of learning to report news accurately, especially in the social media age.
“The forms for the new session will be available in August, and interested individuals are advised to prepare accordingly.” He said.