CITAD Celebrates International Democracy Day
By Mustapha Salis Yakubu
HOTPEN – The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) as part of its mandates in promoting good governance and democratic processes in Nigeria, joined world communities in celebrating the International Democracy Day.
The day which is being celebrated every 15th of September is aimed at reawakening the conscious of people and showcasing the importance of democracy as the best form of government. For this year’s celebration, CITAD held public lecture at its Itas office in Bauchi State.
In his introductory remarks, CITAD’s Program Officer, Abdulnasir Yusuf Muneeb said the purpose of the program is to review the state of democracy in Nigeria and in the world at large. Mr. Muneeb further highlighted the importance of democracy and good governance and its positive impacts on the lives of the ordinary citizens.
Speaking at the event, Professor Muhammad Hamisu, former Vice Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University who served as the Keynote Speaker at the event presented a paper titled “The Fate of Nigerian Youth”.
Professor Hamisu started his presentation by expressing his disappointment about the poor participation of the young people in political activities in the country even though young people constituted 1/3 of the Nigerian population coupled with recently passed “Not Too Young To Run Bill”, which if being adhered to will ensure youth participation in politics in the country.
Discussing on the issues that will encourage youth participation into political activities, fight against corruption, increase transparency in running the affairs of the country, Professor Muhammad mentioned that Anti-Corruption Agencies such as ICPC, EFCC etc. need to be strengthened; there is need for the introduction of a system that will reward both public and civil servants who exhibit good behavior at work places; there is need for leadership training and succession plan and mass enlightenment on the functions of the different arms of government in the country.
The second speaker at the event was Alhaji Gambo Idris Danmasani who discussed on Democracy. Danmasani started his discussion by explaining what democracy entails where he mentioned that “democracy is a form of government where the people have the rights to vote for their leaders and be voted for rather than being controlled by a government that they do not have a say and do not tolerate dissent voices, and have no right to protest.
In his contribution, the Centre Manager, National Board for Technology Incubation, Alh. Idris Abdullahi, who was represented by Muhammad Na’im Suleiman cautioned young people on relying on government to provide jobs for them, instead, he advised the youth to embrace entrepreneurial skills. Speaking further, Alhaji Abdullahi said as we are living in 21st century; a century of computing and digitalization that brings more job opportunities, the youth should turn their attention and grab these ample opportunities brought by the 21st century.
On her part, Haj. Amina Musa of PHC Department called on the young women to get involved in politics and play their part in developing the country. At the end, she appealed to the stakeholders in the communities to consider women in whatever they do and ensure they carry them along not take them as vulnerable.