Intl Day of Democracy: Oyo/Osun Seadogs urges govt to empower youths

…Felicitates with people, institutions

As the world marks this year International Day of Democracy the National Association of Seadogs a.k.a pyrates Confraternity Jolly Rogers Deck Oyo and Osun states chapter has called on government to empower youth and ensure their voices are included in the decisions making that would have profound impact on their immediate society.

The Association also joined hands with governments, agencies, MDAs, Civil Society organizations and community groups across the Federation to felicitate with people and institutions of the world on this year celebration of international day of Democracy

The felicitattion was made known through a press statement issued by Oyo/Osun Capoon of Jolly Rogers Deck, Mr Olufemi Adesope to Journalist to commemorate the International Day of Democracy which is usually celebrated on 15th of September of each year and this year theme ‘Empowering the next generation’

The statement said that in advancing the prospects of democracy and to ensure ordinary citizens in the grassroots enjoy the dividends of democracy it is imperative for government to empower the younger generations and give more focuses to the youths.

According to the statement, the National Association of Seadogs recognized the critical role of education and mentorship in empowering the next generation of leaders adding that the step are instrumental in equipping the younger generation, students and youths with basic skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a democratic society.

The Association further implored Oyo state government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde to take urgent steps towards reducing the menace of school drop-outs , street hawking and girl-child abuse across the state.

The statement further noted that democracy can thrive on basic fundamentals right of democracy to empower the youths and given the opportunities to voice out their opinions within the political space and in the decision-making process.

The statement read : “The National Association of Seadogs a.k.a Pyrates Confraternity Jolly Rogers Deck on the commemoration of the International Day of Democracy on 15th September, 2023.

“The National Association of Seadogs a.k.a Pyrates Confraternity Jolly Rogers Deck covering Oyo and Osun States, in commemoration of the International Day of Democracy, 2023 joins hands with governments at all levels, government agencies, MDAs, the civil society organizations and community groups across various inclinations to felicitate with all peoples and institutions of the world on this year celebration of International Day of Democracy.

“As a society- focused organization, the National Association of Seadogs considers this year International Day of Democracy as the most significant point of reference and beckon of hope for Nigeria’s projected development.
This year’s theme “Empowering the next generation”, focuses on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.

“In the same good spirit, Nigeria has been one of the African countries championing the standards of democracy in the African comity of Nations. It is good news that Nigeria has stood steadfast since the return to civil rule in May 1999.

“The 1999 transition of Nigeria from military to civil rule has continued to be a reference point to all neighboring African counties. This is evident in our 24 years of un-interrupted democratic rule.

“Therefore, in advancing the prospects of democracy and ensure that the dividends of democracy penetrate to the ordinary citizens in the grassroots, it is important that we continue to think of empowering our younger generations and give more focuses to youths and young people alike.

“According to the African Union, there is an urgent necessity to transform the huge potentials of Africa’s large youth population into a demographic dividend and also realizing that the voices of the youth are more important and needed in every form of decision-making process and in national governance.
It is on this note that our association – NAS – PC recognizes the critical role of education and mentorship in empowering the next generation of leaders.

“These steps are
instrumental in equipping our young people, students and youths with the basic skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a democratic society.

“To ensure the actualization of this target, we are urging the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration to take concrete actions on programmes needed to reduce the menace of school drop-outs in Oyo state, child and street hawking and girl-child abuse across the state.

“One of the basic fundamentals of democracy is the right to access qualitative and publicly funded education as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the Nigerian constitution. In addition, is the freedom of expression and association which is further backed by the Nigerian Freedom of Information Act.

“Democracy thrives on these virtues, and can only get better when youths are empowered and given the opportunities to voice out their opinions, even within the political space and in the decision-making process. To us in the NAS-PC, youths are the beckons of the society and hence they must be included in governance in their good number, right from today.

End