TheCable

The Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA), a non-governmental organisation, has urged the national assembly to speedily pass the “not too young to run” bill into law.

During an interview with NAN in Jos on Tuesday, Pwakim Jacob, the executive director of YIAVHA, said that the bill will give room for younger people to run for any elective position in the country.

He said that if given the chance to lead, the youth will drive the economic and political fortunes of Nigeria to the greatest height.

He also said that if the bill eventually becomes a law, it will go a long way “to shape the political dimensions of Nigeria”.

“We are pushing for this bill not because those in the helm of affairs today are not doing well, but we feel if the youths are giving the opportunity, they can do better,” he said.

“The youth of this country are doing well; they are making this country proud in all ramifications, internally and externally.

“We feel if given the opportunity to lead, they will not disappoint Nigerians; they have all it takes to drive the economy of this country to a greater height.

“So, we urge the NASS to give this bill an accelerated passage, at least before the 2019 general elections.”

Jacob further challenged Nigerian youths to take their destiny into their hands by taking advantage of the generational need of vibrant youths in leadership position.

He advised the youths to “engage copiously in community service,” using their intellectual prowess and numerical strength so as to ensure development gets to the people at the grassroots.

“Young people must be those who have big dreams; dreams of service to humanity and making sacrifice for the good of all. The youths must think ahead so as to bring the desired changes people expect of them,” he added.