by Chi Ibe
RISE is one of Nigeria’s leading Youth Development Centres, which for the post couple of years has made consistent positive impact in the lives of young Nigerians across the country.
With just about a month to go to 2011 General Elections, RISE has launched its latest project – a political television show tagged “Nigeria’s 2011 Elections Showdown”. The show will feature analysis, engagement, election polls and debates – all from young people. RISE Networks CEO who wrote and developed the concept, Toyosi Akerele speaks:
“The Political Landscape of Nigeria in the last 50 years of Independence has been captured and held to ransom by dodfathers, illiterate and ill meaning politicians and a fraudulent, power drunk over-recycled group of people. The unimpressive performances of the old brigade political elite that has been characterized by ostentatious show of shame in different administrations has given rise to ethnic, religious and political crisis consistently, economic instability, jobless youths, dismal failure of our Educational System amongst several other hopeless scenarios.
Much as we clamour for change, the harsh reality is that we will have to select from the crop of people who have won the primaries on their different political party platforms, even in situations where unpopular choices have been imposed by party elders on the citizenry.
The current Nigerian situation does not suggest that one political party is better than the other in terms of ideology, internal democracy, sincere drive for change and an ardent and deep rooted interest to deliver substantial dividends of democracy to the generality of Nigerians.
The only concrete way through which we can institutionalize credible, effective and impactful leadership is that youths have to be less confrontational, extremely mature and engage on a mass widespread campaign to drive awareness that will inform and enlighten Young people on their fundamental rights while we demand accountability from elected office holders at all levels of government. The Youth of Nigeria form 55percent of the Country’s population and should be able to influence decisions and be considered as a major force in the nation. For too long, they have been relegated to the background”.
Nigeria’s 2011 Elections Showdown will air live on Channels Television from March 14th – April 1st 2011. Highlights of the show include a live Youth Parliament and Youth Presidential Debate.
Contact Details of The Showdown Secretariat are 07060545017, 07060545018
RISE BB PIN: 21676F3E
The Rise Place
20 Bayode Oluwole str
By Balogun Str
Off Awolowo way
Ikeja Lagos Nigeria
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