by Hauwa Gambo

On Saturday, 25 February, the people of Cross River will have the opportunity to vote for its next Executive Governor.

Following the success of last year’s ‘What About Us? Debate’ – Nigeria’s First Youth-Focused Presidential Debate; Enough is Enough Nigeria will partner with Afterschool Peer Mentoring Program to host Cross River’s First Youth-Focused Gubernatorial Debate.

The last governor and PDP flag-bearer, Liyel Imoke have been confirmation while Imah Nsa Adegoke (LP), Usani Usani (ACN), Patrick Okomiso (ANPP) will attend.

Nigeria’s 2006 Census figures show that over 70% of Nigeria’s population is under 30. It is estimated that over 65% of registered voters nationally are under 35. In this time, elections at all tiers of government have to be about us, Nigeria’s youth: Nigeria’s present; Nigeria’s future. Therefore, we firmly believe that any individual who desires to serve as chief public servant of the State should engage this demographic.

The debate will be among young Nigerians in Cross River and they will focus on the following topics: Education; Health; Poverty, Job & Wealth Creation; Security; Environment (Oil spills) and Infrastructure. Questions will be posed by young Nigerians, at home and abroad, via social media networks including Facebook and Twitter, video blog, text message and email. The debate will be live on Cross River State Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) and streamed online.

Details of the debate are as follows:

Venue:             Main Bowl, Cultural Centre Complex, Calabar

Date:               Wednesday, 22 February, 2012

Time:               4 pm. live streaming begins at 5 pm.

Moderator:      Chude Jideonwo

The organisers:

EnoughisEnough Nigeria (www.eienigeria.org) is a coalition of individuals and youth-led organizations committed to instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through advocacy, activism and the mobilization of the youth population as responsible citizens.  The coalition includes The Future Project; Paradigm Initiative Nigeria; Education as a Vaccine (EVA); Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND); RISE Networks; Chocolate City Group and EME.

EiE Nigeria created the RSVP (Register|Select|Vote|Protect) Campaign to leverage technology, especially social media to mobilize significant participation from citizens in the 18-35 age bloc in the 2011 elections and beyond.

Afterschool Peer Mentoring Project seeks to inspire and engage intending graduates and out- of -school youths on pre/post-graduation goal setting, career guidance and opportunity facilitation. We assist young people prepare to graduate and walk them through the achievements of their life goals.