Advocacy for Youth Involvement in Governance puts much Emphasis on Age, not Capacity - Ekpa Stanley Ekpa

Ekpa, Stanley, Ekpa a practising lawyer and Director of the Development Watch Initiative shares in this interview, his thoughts on youths, governance and leadership
 

NNI: Can we meet you?

Guest: My name is Ekpa, Stanley Ekpa. I am a lawyer and a Master’s in Leadership Studies student at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. I specialize in Development Law. I am currently the Editor-in-Chief, Nigerian Corruption Cases Law Report, and Nigerian Democracy and Development Report. I serve as the Executive Director, Development Watch Initiative. I have peculiar interest in Good Governance, Leadership, Development Law, Social Inclusion and  Nation building.

NNI: What defines social development and impactful leadership for you?

Guest: Social development is achieved when people become the primary factor in a society or a nation’s development processes. The promotion of the inclusion of all components of the society – empowering  the poor, vulnerable, minorities and giving hope and opportunities to the  voiceless citizens. While impactful leadership is the ability to translate collective aspirations and priorities into significant and sustainable solutions for the development of our  community, people and the world.


NNI: In building a society where the quality of things we do defines us, how responsible is leadership?

Guest: Everything revolves around leadership, from building strong and efficient institutions to building infrastructures, leadership is the undercurrent that provides the water of hope and opportunities for creating the equilibrium for the quality of things that define us both as a people and as individuals. Unfortunately, you cannot get quality leadership unless you have quality citizenship. Good citizenship that works through the entire circles of development of the nation – upholding the right value system, ensuring that the right leaders are elected, and holding the leaders accountable. This is the easiest way to prompt responsible leadership and ensure social development.

NNI: How have you managed leadership positions with other duties?

Guest: Leadership, or rather taking responsibility for my immediate communities has always been everything about me. Yes I have. Though in most cases it is very tough, but in all the cases, it gives me a unique opportunity to understand the diversities that the two tasks presents in proffering personal and social solutions from two dimensions.


NNI: It is usually said that a leader must be a follower. Is this realistic?

Guest: It is a truism that has it’s realistic result in practice. A good follower is passionately committed and deeply involved, giving him the chance to develop empathy,  compassion and keen interest in the common situation and need of the people, community or organization. When such follower transcends to leadership position, it becomes easy to make significant impact given his or her understanding of the need of the community and his or her imbued leadership savvy. More importantly, such leader leads sometimes from behind, by positioning and delegating responsibility to others and supervising their works, results and impact.

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NNI: Is leadership a mix of different skills? What exactly makes up complete leadership?

Guest: Leadership is a mix of infused skills and discipline for impact. Great leadership is about the creative balance between visions, strategic planning, collaboration and inclusion, performance and results, accountability, disciplined character of excellence, tolerance, and communication.

 

NNI: What inspired your book, Youthocracy, ''Leadershift'' for Development?

Guest: The advocacy for youth involvement in socio-political governance and cultural revolution was taking  an unnecessary emphasis on age and not the capacity of the emerging leaders to proffer creative and sustainable solutions for the world’s complex challenges, particularly in Africa, hence, I felt the need to champion a new thinking in the desire to usher in a new generation of leaders.

For the past three decades, African leaders have failed to build a continent that provides the opportunities for inclusive prosperity and security.  If the Africa Agenda 2063 would be actualized, it means that it is the young people whose future the agenda seeks to protect that can build it, not the generation that failed the continent for the last sixty years.

Hence, the crux of the discourse and philosophy of the book is on how to identify, build, galvanize and leverage a new generation of leaders for the development of their communities. How to get involved, win elections and do the work you elected to do right other critical issues that the book addressed.

NNI: By global trends, there is a call for youths to take leadership. How best can a youth position himself to be worthy of leadership?

Guest: First, leadership is not a tea party particularly if you are out to solve problems and make impact through leadership. But positioning yourself as a worthy option for for leadership consideration is even more challenging in developing electoral climes like Nigeria. However, to every problem there is always myriads of available solutions.

To me, building capacity either by learning or participation starts by  building your personal leadership brand, building creative values of social solutions, building a strong network of like minds,  being a problem solver no matter how small the solution, and working through the ladder to strategically position for great leadership.

On a more practical note, one can either position for leadership by leaning on the shoulders of great leaders through positive god-fatherism, or disrupt the political space to make a way for himself. The latter is more difficult a means, for it requires working beyond the limit line.

NNI: What is the measure of good leadership? Do you think social impact  can be measured?

Guest: Good governance is measured on the scale of social impact. The aggregate dividends of your leadership as enjoyed by the people. It is easy to measure  leadership impact because it is about the people and the community. The result of your leadership can be felt either negatively or positively by the people. Though social impact takes time to materialize sometimes but it is never hidden when it finally arrives.

By measuring good leadership I do not mean state sponsored billboards and media propaganda, no, I mean an impactful result that can be felt by the deaf, and seen even by the blind.  I would have loved to use such economic indicators like GDP, inflation among others but in the end analysis, when the people are hungry and  left behind without social security, we have failed the society.

 

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NNI: What do you do at the Development Watch Initiative?

Guest: We are a citizen sector initiative that is committed to engaging the citizens to make inputs in the development processes of their constituencies and holding their leaders accountable. We promote citizens’ participation in monitoring the implementation of Nigeria’s developmental projects, budgets and policies from the local government level to the national level. Currently we are working on the COVID-19 REPORT, which is a comprehensive insight and report on Nigeria’s response, policies, palliatives and impact.

We have other programmes running, like our  ”Enterprise Clinic” which exposes students across Nigerian academic institutions to job, entrepreneurial and leadership skills and opportunities. Our next training circle is slated for Sokoto, Oyo, Lagos, Kano, Anamabra, Rivers, Abuja and Cross River. We also have the Get Involved Challenge, Constituency Development Town Halls, among other projects.


NNI: What is your view on Global Youth Development and growth? Do you think we are making progress?

Guest: Yes, we are making progress. The United Nations has continued to create broad opportunities for the involvement of young people in actualizing the SDGs 2030. Domestically, the Not Too Young To Run Act 2018 has given much impetus and limited  opportunity for young people to participate in the political space, as the huge financial requirements and commercialization of our politics continue to hinder their chances. Notwithstanding this, the 2019 general elections witnessed an increase in the number of elected young people to local governments, state assemblies and federal Parliament. Many young people have been given appointive positions both in the political and corporate sectors.

So, to me I think we are making progress, it is now within our arms as young people to get strategic and position ourselves through creative common council of like minds, support ourselves and collectively make our societies work for the next generation.

NNI: How did you achieve the fusion of your  personal brand name ''Ekpa Stanley, Ekpa'' into your love for promising leadership and sustainable development?

Guest: I realized early in life that there is an inseparable relationship between law, leadership and sustainable development. This prompted my interest to study law even when I didn’t understand the proper places of these concepts and factors in social development. It was however my late mother that taught me the value of a man’s name. Ever since, I have tried my best to approach everyday of my life with sincere commitment to how my work (law, community organizing and leadership) would significantly impact my community, country and humanity.

I cherish my brand “Ekpa, Stanley Ekpa” so much that I work everyday to grow, improve and leverage it as a reliable source and Centre for national inclusivity, development solutions, cultural revolution and an ideological stand point for Nigeria’s future generations.


NNI: What is your advice to fellow young individuals?

Guest: My advice is very simple – young people must have the sense of ownership of their communities, be creative, resilient, and resolved to succeed against all odds and challenges. It is a tough and difficult world, but if you remain on your lane and timeline without comparing yourself to other people’s standards for success, your chances are high that you will become even more the person you aspire to be.


 

NNI: What should we expect from you in the near future? Any intention to go into full time politics? Any bigger plans?

Guest: (Laughs) Well, I am a very intentional person. I know that the only way to build the kind of country we aspire for is to get involved politically, and I know for certain that I will go into politics. And if by full time you mean committing and applying myself to my constituency and humanity without compromise, then I can assure you that I will do that full time without regret.

I believe this is my time to prepare myself for competence, leadership savvy and excellence in statecraft. I am confident our generation will turn things around but we must be prepared for the great task, for we must not fail Nigeria and the next generation of Nigerians. We are called to fix and provide hope, opportunities and direction for the new Nigeria.

Barr. Onitayo Joseph Olayemi Felicitates with Speaker, Members of Osun State 8th Assembly

Dear Honorable Speaker and esteemed members of the State House of Assembly, on behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Ifedayo Local Government, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your recent inauguration as the Speaker of the House of Assembly, as well as to the other newly sworn-in members. It is with great joy and pride that I offer you these words of congratulations today.

Your election to these esteemed positions is a testament to your outstanding dedication, leadership, and passion for serving your community. I am confident in your abilities to lead with integrity and courage and to work collaboratively to make meaningful contributions to the development of the state and its citizens.

I am especially pleased to note that you have taken on this important role at a time when the state is faced with several complex challenges. As you work together to address issues like health, education, security, and economic development, I urge you to remain committed to the ideals of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in your decision-making. 

Once again, please accept my sincere congratulations on your recent inauguration. I look forward to seeing the great strides you will make in your service to the people of the state in the coming years. 

Best regards,

Barr. Joseph O. Onitayo.

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Barr Onitayo Joseph Felicitates with Christians on this Year’s Easter Celebrations

The Aspiring Youth Leader for the Osun State Executive Position of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Onitayo Joseph felicitates with Christian faith to be in the right standing with God as they celebrate this Year's Easter.

Speaking with News Men in Osogbo on Thursday, he charged Christians to emulate the virtues of sacrifice, togetherness, forgiveness, kindness, love, peace, and patience which were attributes and practices of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by His ministry on earth.

 

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Recalling the essence of Easter, Barr. Onitayo noted that God sent His only begotten son to lay down his life, to save humanity from everlasting condemnation. He thus admonished the Christian community to ensure that the chord of brotherhood is never broken. In his words, "let us remember that the Peace and Development of the state lies in the unity and love we show to one another."

He further urged the Youths and all PDP members to see his ambition as a Clarion Call to liberate the Youth and build a desirable future. He noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke is God sent to the state and he needs a viable candidate like him to promote Youth Agenda.

He is confident that his emergence will bring about Progress to the State at large.

Opinion: The Child Who Did Not Cry

It was the day of my birth. I watched them silently as they hit me with great force. They slapped me on my chin, back and buttocks one after the other as an expert drummer would ram his konga drums, making sounds, unrhythymical.

I thought they were catching fun at my expense. I felt injury and pains. It was terrific. If this was how the sons of men were to treat me, then I would prefer to remain where I was accepted. The slaps increased.

I am a new born. At my birth, I had refused to drown in my own waters. Times before, I had visited here but left hurriedly; probably because I wanted to punish my family here or there, or wanted to check on this planet. There I was, a child of two worlds, I belonged to both.

I had lost count of times I'd journeyed through heaven and earth. This time, the midwives had slapped me over and over, making sure I cried to ascertain me alive. I refused to, I was not dead though. I looked into the eyes of the chief midwife... I was sure she was unfamiliar but could not saw if she was experienced or not- she must have seen the lines on my left foot.

Much wonder she knew little that I was an "ABIKU"

I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
From thence till this while
I've given my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

 

My first day on earth was terrible and the first week, hell, courtesy of every person I met from the occasion of my delivery. No thanks to them..

The medicine man placed the herb to the ground. He looked down into the small mirror placed opposite the bed where I laid. Then, He picked the local pencil in his left hand and a small knife in the right.

Loud cries proceeded from my mouth. He had made the first cut on my right cheek and rubbed the coaled ink off the pencil edge into the hole, drying up the blood and carefully making sure it dripped into a small calabash.
He soon made the second cut and another series of cries rolled out... I could not help it. Amidst tears, I watched him channel the drips of blood down to the small calabash.

“There are five things you need to know”, he told my mother. “Before we send him out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and he will remain with you till the day he wishes to die”

The next thing I heard was silence...

I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
Who gave my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

Fifteen years later...
My past has been plagued, my present, blasted and the future, opaque and bleak. I had just been released from prison... No! Not what you think- the government prison. It was actually a family prison, personal; the prison of my heart, where I was caged by the raging claws of consanguinity...
As freedom is slavery, I just did not know that I had come into a new rope. Probably this would tie me down into hell. In the last fifteen years of my life, I have been made into a young boy, excelling greatly amidst my peers and a seeming family of five children, all males. There was this peculiarity- we came in succession and after the order of history.
Obviously, I was a mysterious child; only little did know and I neither bothered to tell any who seemed ignorant.

15th September
Culture is the spring that has it's bounce, the proverbial ball that goes up and surely lands on people- it's remote victms. Today, I had my initiation ceremony... Not into a cult but into manhood. This very day was my circumcision. I felt lifted. Little did I know that...
I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
Who gave my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

2023 Polls: A Call on Millennials to rejig and Participate

Someone once opined, "it is as if Nigeria  only exists for elections", could that be true? Just immediately after the conclusion of the February 2019 general elections which ushered the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, the political space began to rally clouds in build-up for 2023 presidential election. The "2023 Agenda"  has since then become a terminology in the politcal setting. Politicians have started bolting regional affinities and lining political formations.

However, public affairs analysts have differed  that it is insensitive and premature to start holding 2023 discussion in spite of security and economic challenges, whereas some opined it is never too early to prepare for the future. Whichever end of the stick you choose to hold, you will agree that the troubles  that waylay the present day Nigeria are enormous.

We live in a time where over 600 people displaced by bandits live on football field in Katsina. A time when bandits and herdsmen spill blood of citizens on regular basis, Kidnapping  and rape is thronging, government is bloated and too expensive to maintain. People are not getting promised dividends of democracy. Police extort money from the poor on a massive revenue scale.That economy is millions of naira daily.There are regional militia and cries of marginalisation. It is difficult to do business in Nigeria. What a myriad of challenges!

In the reality of  these challenges, one would logically assume  that the fixation of our policy makers at this period would be to stand up to the challenges and find solutions to some of these problems. But sadly, the government  has been notoriously lethargic in taking decisive actions on events that so much threaten our welfare and coexistence as a people.

 

Harping on the responsibility of government  as propounded in the social contract theory, the primary essence of government  is the provision  of social goods . In the event that the government rescinds its  part of the social  contract, citizens can so withdraw their obligation and this is done through elections and other lawful means.

34.75% of registered voters  voted in the 2019 general elections, the lowest of all recent elections held on the African continent, according to the data from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I-IDEA). Meanwhile, 18%  of that vote came from the youth density. This is a fact on record that puts one to marvel at the level of political apathy in the world's most populous black nation.There are about 61.3million Nigerians between the ages of 19 and 35. Appropriate to say that 33% of the population Is made of up of millennials. Who are these millennials?  Millennials are age cohorts of 19-38, regarded as digital natives, vibrant  population, analytical , ambitious, and achievement-oriented. Unfortunately,the peculiarities of these cohorts are yet to reflect in the electoral process. Perhaps the reason it is often said that the "worst of us is leading us".

The social media has become significant platform for economic, social and political development.Young people are talking to one another across ethnic and regional divides – though not always politely! But at least they are talking. Twitter and Facebook have become major political platforms.

 You will also agree that social media has proven to be a platform where momentum can be built, awareness can be raised and people can be stimulated towards a particular campaign. The Infectious disease Bill, Social media Bill as well as Hate speech Bill are some of Government's policies that have been influenced by social media blitz.

In 2018, Big Brother Nigeria recorded about 170 million votes cumulatively. Imagine if we could have a similitude of this participation in our  elections. But our electoral process is often marked with violence and malpractice you say. Yes you are right! It has remained so because we have tolerated it thus far. Thousands of Malians are presently on the  street of Bamako, calling for resignation  of their president following election violence and large scale corruption in the country. A step in the right direction!

Vision is the purview of youths not of old men.In other words, we need to harness the strength of our youths in the quest for true democracy and qualitative  leadership. A democracy where the voice of the majority is heard. A democracy where leaders apply intellect, adopt best practices and adequately proffer solutions.

If we must move forward, we must put an end to political disinterestedness and civic apathy. The 2023 General elections is about 33months away from now, another opportunity for us as a people to determine the kind of leadership we so desire for our dear country.

Once bitten twice shy, a mistake that must never be repeated. We have for long remained on the world's most deprived people chart. As potent as our feelings of frustration maybe, we cannot, must not allow them to immobilise us and render us comatose as a generation.

We are all involved in politics whether we like it or not. If you refuse to vote, you have still voted. You voted for whatever outcome emerges from the election. 

 

We can and we will create a Nigeria of tomorrow, the Nigeria of our silent dreams. A place you and I can fulfill destiny and maximise potential. It is up to us. But let it be said of the people reading this, that there were giants in the land in those days. Tomorrow is possible, but it is up to you, it is up to me.

Adeyeye Eyitayo is a member of Fourth Republic (a political communications and advocacy group).

   

June 12 Declaration: An Act of Approbriation or Desperation?

Barely two weeks after the conventional commemoration of the nation's Democracy Day on the 29th of May, the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari announced another historic day as Democracy Day. This has however generated a whole lots of commendations as well as knocks on Mr. President. This is not disconnected from the fact that not many saw the announcement coming. As the road to the future always starts from the past, it is pertinent we acquaint ourselves very succinctly with the rationale behind this celestial decision.

After the successful coup led by Gen. Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida which overthrew the military government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (as he then was), the government of the day took it upon itself to ensure the transfer of power back to a civilian government. This culminated into the 1993 general elections. The military government made for two-party system. With *Chief MKO Abiola* being the flag bearer of the *Social Democratic Party (SDP)* and *Alhaji Bashir Tofa* being that of the defunct *National Republican Convention (NRC)*,  the presidential election was conducted on the 12th of June, 1993 by the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) under the chairmanship of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu. Some declassified information had it that the then military government believed that Tofa would win the election and that it would be easier to handle Tofa if the election had to be annulled. However, the election which saw Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as the acclaimed winner with an unreported total votes of *8,341,309 (58.36%)* was eventually annulled by IBB. Irrespective of this, in a bid to protect and deliver this mandate given to him, history had it that Chief MKO Abiola kept on parading himself as the acclaimed President without a formal and official announcement of the election result which eventually led to his incarceration. History also has it that the subsequent government of *Sani Abacha* promised to acquit MKO Abiola provided the latter let go of his mandate, but Abiola declined. It was however while at the prison that MKO had his last breath. Since then, many Nigerian, particularly from the South West has had the notion that June 12 should be celebrated as Democracy Day. The spirit of nationalism shared reflected also in the way some Nigerians named their children after "Abiola". *Alhassan Ado-Dogura* (Chief Whip, NA) even went ahead to name her daughter after Abiola's wife, "Kudirat". After 25 years of this agitation, on the *6th of June 2018* specifically, President Buhari officially endorse and declared June 12 as the nation's Democracy Day.

Several groups, both regional and national, including the Nigerian Senate has praised Mr. President on this development, as this day (June 12) is even more significant as far as Nigeria's democracy is concern. In the words of *Senator Ahmad Lawan* (the Majority Leader), _" There is not history that could link May 29 to the actual democratic evolution of Nigeria that is greater than June 12"_.
This declaration on the other hand has been greeted with several knocks.  Notable among this criticisms is that of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, *Alfa Belgore* who questioned the legality and constitutionality of the declaration. *Dino Melaye* though admitted that Buhari's intention is right, he is of the opinion that his action is illegal. Citing _*Chapter 43(2) of the National Honours Act 1963*, he said, _"I am a democrat, I believe very sincerely that Chief MKO Abiola deserves even more than the president has pronounced because he was a true patriot, philanthropist and should be so decorated. But, we are governed in the country by the constitution and extant laws. No matter how beautiful a situation is, the law of the land remains the law of the the land. We should not be emotional about this. The law remains the law"_.

The declaration nonetheless is not without certain implications. The declaration, coming just about 9 months to another general election has been conceived by many, even in the South West as a mere political cake to please the Yorubas. *Ayo Adebanjo*, a leader of the Afenifere said, "Buhari shouldn't think Yorubas are fools". The question now is, if Mr. President really had the intention of this declaration in mind, why must he have to wait till few months to another general election, in which he himself is seeking re-election? Another implication is that of the declaration going against the *National Honours Act 1963* which frowns at national awards given to dead persons, save soldiers or other servicemen for their bravery. It should be noted that Buhari is to confer on Abiola, the highest title in the land, _Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)_, with his acclaimed Vice-President, *Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe* and *Gani Fawehinmi* _Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON)._ The last but not the least is the alteration of the *Public Holidays Act* which provides for May 29th as the country's Democracy Day.

Conclusively, I am of the opinion that efforts should be geared by our leaders to ensure the fortification of our hard-earned democracy for the betterment of the citizens and not as a mere machinery. *Richard Brookhiser* once said, _*"The most important form of honesty, especially in a leader, is discerning the great course of action and forthrightly pursuing it"*_. Much more than declaring June 12 as the nation's Democracy Day, our public and private institutions, parastals and agencies should be more strengthened, free from all unhealthy rivalry and political masturbations, in order to ensure their efficiency. Government at all levels should seek first the comfortability of the citizenry, and all other things can be added.
 

The labor of our heroes past shall never be in vain. God bless Nigeria!

 

Adesanya Abiodun Samuel is a student of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University