-Dike Chukwumerije, GoNigeria Advocate
As the GoNigeria enlightenment campaign on youth participation in the country’s electoral process gathers momentum, an advocate of Anap Foundation, has advised eligible young Nigerians not to stay out of politics as politicians will not stay out of their lives with the policies they will implement.
Dike Chukwumerije, a renowned poet asserted that the campaign on youth involvement in politics continues in earnest, harping on the unique advantage of the youth population as they constitute a larger percentage of the electorate, with the demographics from 18 to 34 years old.
According to Chukwumerije, “If you stay out of politics, those who stay in politics will not stay out of your life, your health, your education, your home, your business, or your bank account,’’. He urged the youths in the country and diaspora to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by visiting the commission’s portal to register or request to update their voter’s information before completing the process physically at designated centers before INEC’s June 2022 deadline and ensure that they collect their voter’s card in preparation for the forthcoming 2023 general elections.’’
Dike’s position comes at a time Anap Foundation is kick-starting its enlightenment campaign themed, GoNigeria, a campaign to sensitize Nigerian youths to participate in the electoral process leading to the election of visionary leaders.
Anap Foundation will be partnering with the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] and other advocates, celebrity ambassadors, corporate bodies as well as volunteers in ensuring a huge success is attained in encouraging the youths in understanding that their votes count in having the right leaders at the country’s helm of affairs.
The campaign is in full gear with the initial advocates of Anap Foundation, who have intensified efforts at encouraging young Nigerians to register and collect their PVC to vote in next year’s general elections towards ensuring good governance and accessing the true dividends of democracy.
The initial advocates are Aisha Yesufu, Active Nigerian Citizen; Nuruddeen Lemu, Director, Research & Training, the Da’wah Institute, Islamic Education Trust; Dike Chukwumerije, Poet; Folarin Falana (Falz), Musician, Actor, and Entertainer; Atedo Peterside, Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank + President & Founder, Anap Foundation; Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic Church, Sokoto; Arunma Oteh, Chairperson, Royal African Society and Scholar, University of Oxford; Hamzat Lawal, Founder, Connected Development (CODE); Tomiwa Aladekomo, National Chair, Youth Party; Osita Chidoka, Founder UnlockNaija, Former Minister, Aviation & Corps Marshal FRSC; and Dr. Tony Rapu, Medical Doctor and Pastor.
Others include ‘Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director, EiE Nigeria; Muhammad Ali Pate, Professor of Public Health Leadership at Harvard, Former Minister and former World Bank Global Director for Health; HH Muhammad Sanusi II, 14th Emir of Kano & Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniya Order; Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, Former Minister, Former Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, Chairman, Tertiary Education Trust Fund [TETFUND] and President, King’s College Old Boys Association; Ayisha Osori, Author; and Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Former DMD NLNG/GED of NNPC + House of Rep. member in 1983 at age 25.