Students of the University of Lagos yesterday booed the country’s Senate president, Bukola Saraki, for failing to attend a youth submit organized to commemorate the 2015 edition of the United Nations International Youth Day.
Saraki who was billed to give the keynote addresses was represented by his deputy chief of staff, Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola, received shout of boos from the students who had expected the senate president to be at the event.
The deputy chief of staff however explained that the senate president was absent due to the 4th UN Parliamentary conference holding in the US.
Speaking, Saraki said he would ensure that the 8th national assembly is open, transparent and engaging as ever. He also added that youths can now follow activities of the senate
Other guests and speakers at the youth event with the theme, “youth civic engagement: the significant role of youth in politics and public life” included Babatunde Fashola, former Lagos state governor; Dele Momodu, Former presidential candidate; Moses Siasia, Chairman, Nigerian Young Professionals’ Forum (NYPF); Dr. Reuben Abati, Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to Former President Goodluck Jonathan with panel discussion moderated by journalist and public commentator, Tolu Ogunlesi.
The UN-endorsed event is aimed at promotion and emphasis on the importance of the Nigerian youth in political and civil participation. Youth inclusion in governance and the understanding of their civil responsibilities have been the main focus of both RISE Networks and the UN.
The event also featured a debate between representatives from the two major political parties in Nigeria— Rinsola Abiola, Acting President, APC Young Women’s Forum and Member, APC Board of Trustees; and Anthony Ehilebo, Volunteer Secretary, RETHINK Nigeria, a PDP-affiliated Youth Group on the theme “my political party’s policy on youth inclusion in governance in governance and politics is the best for Nigeria.”
Meanwhile Saraki has honoured Nigeria’s basketball team, D’Tigers, who won their first continental championship victory on August 30th. He said it was fulfilling that the Nigerian team finally broken the jinx and made the nation proud at the 2015 African Basketball Championship held in Tunisia.
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