I have deep affection for young people - Sen. Owan Enoh

Sen. John Owan Enoh

By Eba Alobo Ish

The Senator representing Cross River State central senatorial district has reiterated his love and affection for young people of all ages.

Speaking at the Young and Emerging Political Leaders Forum held yesterday at the International Conference Centre, Calabar, the Senator noted that "No nation that desires progress will toil or become complacent with its energetic and vibrant youths".

He added that he has a close affinity with young people of all ages as his political career has been greatly influenced by the massive show of solidarity and support from the youths across his senatorial district and beyond.

He said " I have deep affection for young people over the years. My victory in elections have been made possible because of my strong affinity with the youths".

Sen. Owan decried the high rate of unemployment, poverty and lack of basic needs for the youths describing it as a 'timebomb' that needs to be detonated as soon as possible.

He applauded young people who are changing the narratives across the globe through information technology and urged others to emulate them.

According to him "We must applaud the youths who keep changing the world with the internet".

The senator further noted that there is " a huge disconnect between youths of today and the older  generation" as mentorship and dialogue is lacking.

He further admonish young people to vote against politicians who are not living up to expectations as according to him the primary purpose of electing any leader is for the sake of the people.

He said "If as a leader, you are not interested in the discharge of the responsibilities that comes with your office, then don't run for an election".

Also speaking at the event, Rev. Olu Martins urged political leaders across the nation to invest in our educational system saying " Those who don't have a Nigerian University degree are not qualified to become our political leaders come 2019".

He added that as young people, we must participate in the electioneering activities as according to him "The future belongs to us and we must brace up and ensure that the promises they made to us is fulfilled".

On his part, Prince Kazim Afebue speaking on 'the the risk of political apathy' stated that when we consciously organise ourselves as young people, we can punish any political leader through the power of our votes.

He urged all young people to wake up and go out to cast their votes in the forthcoming elections adding that "If we want to change any government, we must come out and vote".

He added that the risk of not getting involved is more than the risk of getting involved stating that "We must mobilise, organise and conscientise ourselves and punish our leaders with pur votes if they have failed us".

Highlights of the event include presentation of awards to deserving young emerging political leaders across the state such as Dr. Beta Edu, Com. Dan Obo, Mr. Agba Jalingo among others.