Lack of inclusion in governance frustrating youths

As Nigeria marks 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, a youth advocate and a founder of the Atikulated Group, Barau Isa Maradun, has stated there is growing frustration among the populace, especially the youths, who feel that the dividends of democracy have not been evenly distributed or adequately realised.

He said this in an interview to mark the 25 years of democracy in Nigeria on May 29, noting that despite the promise of democracy, millions of Nigerians continued to grapple with abject poverty and a lack of tangible progress.

He said, “This loss of focus has exacerbated the frustrations of a populace that feels the dividends of democracy have not been evenly distributed or adequately realised.

“We called on people to vote for the right people during elections every four years, but they’ve shunned us. I think it is the right time to wake up.”

He emphasised the need for increased political awareness and engagement among Nigerians to ensure that future leaders were held accountable and committed to the nation’s progress.

Maradun added that he was optimistic that if Atiku Abubakar or any other person from the opposition party had won the election Nigeria would not be in its current state and the youths would not be suffering as they were now.

Speaking on security development, Maradun said the current administration should focus more on that angle as people were being forced out of their towns and farms.