Abuja, Nigeria
PROMAD, a civic tech organisation, says youth participation in governance remains crucial if the country is to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030.
Daisi Omokungbe founder and executive director of the organisation said this in Abuja on Thursday at the close-out event for the graduation of youths who participated in PROMAD’s accelerating youth participation in governance fellowship (AYPG Fellowship).
The fellowship was supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) had 18 emerging young leaders from the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received training on participation in governance.
The event’s highlight was a panel discussion on artificial intelligence, with insights shared by panellists and the Africa director of the MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shetimma, who delivered the keynote address.
The experts at the event charged youths with being intentional about politics and governance and urged them to embrace Artificial Intelligence to hold political leaders accountable.
Speaking on the implications of AI in elections and governance, Omokungbe stressed the potential of technology in shaping electoral processes and the country’s overall development.
“Essentially, whether we like it or not, AI and other technologies will shape our elections. It will shape our development and businesses…So for us not to be on the wrong side of technology and AI, that is why we put this event together.
“We cannot be passive about governance and democracy and expect to have sustainable development. So we need all of us to be active about governance, about democracy, to attain certain development, “ Omokungbe said
The stakeholders at the event charged youths to be intentional about politics and governance and embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly to hold political leaders accountable.
Dr Kayode Naiyeju, former accountant general of the federation who chairs the PROMAD’s board, describe AI as a veritable tool that you can deploy to promote their stake in democracy and governance.
He warned that AI has its risks that must be mitigated while harnessing the opportunities for development in Nigeria.
Senior special assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Titilope Gbadamasi, said that Nigerians at home and abroad shared the same aspiration for a better Nigeria, adding that their active involvement in governance was a critical tool for progress.
Speaking about youth representation in political positions, Gbadamasi stressed the importance of intentionality and consistency in pursuing leadership roles.
According to her, governance was not a passive endeavour but required proactive engagement and strategic participation from youth.
“So young people cannot take a back seat. They cannot be relaxed in their approach. We must show consistency. Most importantly, we cannot be here today and there tomorrow if we want a better Nigeria. We have to continually show up for a better Nigeria.”
Kole Shettima, African director of the MacArthur Foundation during his keynote address, said artificial intelligence can be deployed for the benefit of society and urged the youth to give their best to contribute to development with the new technology.
“Many think AI has come to take over their jobs and businesses but I urge you not to think this way. Critically study the opportunities in AI and harness them for your and other people’s benefits.
He added that AI is being considered by MacArthur under its Technology in the Public Interest Programme, adding that the organisation was ready to work with Nigeria’s government, civil society organisations and the youths.
Speaking on the panel, rethinking youths’ participation in governance with AI in Nigeria, Oluseun Onigbinde, global director of BudgIT and Samson Itodo, executive director of YIAGA, recommended re-evaluating traditional approaches to civic engagement and leveraging technology to enhance democratic processes.
They emphasised that the country needs to invest in the talents of youth in technology and AI to fast-track the building of the data infrastructure needed to power AI solutions for the country.
