A group, Anap Foundation, has urged Nigerian youths to obtain their Personal Voter’s Card (PVC) and use their large population in electing credible candidates in the 2023 general elections.
The President of Anap Foundation, Mr. Atedo Peterside, who made the call in a statement in Lagos, said that voting credible candidates would ensure their dreams and aspirations are attained.
`The youths, which consist over 60 percent of the Nigerian voting populace, should endeavor to register and collect their Personal Voter’s Card (PVC) before June 2022 ahead of the 2023 elections.
“This is stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), instead of being instigated by the old and discontented in the society,” said Peterside who is Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank.
Peterside also advised Nigerian youths to shun all sorts of violence and killings in different parts of the country and embrace peaceful participation in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
“The numerous killings of innocent citizens in the country is not the solution to youths’ aggressiveness for a better Nigeria.
“Such should be channeled to the 2023 elections towards voting for credible candidates that would ensure their dreams and aspirations are attained.
“Nigerian youths should rethink and be part of the country’s electoral process, for the actualization of a desired and deserved country. This is what the GoNigeria project intends to achieve.
“A situation whereby the youths do not show interest in the country’s electoral process would mean conceding their birthrights to politicians, whose policies may not reflect the collective objective of the populace, especially young Nigerians,” he said.
Peterside advocated for good electioneering process devoid of violence, killings, and other electoral vices ahead of the 2023 elections.
He noted that the Foundation’s GoNigeria advocacy campaign would be a platform to elect forward-thinking leaders of their choice and for a better nation.
Peterside added “With notable quotes by the late Herbert Hoover, America’s 31st President which states “Older men declare war, but it is the youth that must fight and die.
“Also, Niko Bellic, the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto IV, that “War is when the young and stupid are tricked by the old and bitter into killing each other;” and Bertrand Russel, the British Philosopher, and Logician, that “War does not determine who is right, but who is left.”
Anap Foundation kick-started its enlightenment campaign, themed GoNigeria, a campaign to sensitize Nigerian youths to participate in the election of visionary leaders.
According to Anap, the Foundation will be partnering with the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC].
“Other advocates are celebrity ambassadors, corporate bodies as well as volunteers who would ensure 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, Nuruddeen Lemu, Director, Research & Training, the Da’wah Institute, Islamic Education Trust; Dike Chukwumerije, Poet and Folarin Falana (Falz), Musician, Actor, and Entertainer.
Others are: Peterside, Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank and 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) and Tomiwa Aladekomo, National Chair, Youth Party;
Also included are; Osita Chidoka, Founder UnlockNaija, Former Minister, Aviation and Corps Marshal FRSC; and Dr. Tony Rapu, medical doctor and pastor, 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 and 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.
“Also, Ayisha Osori, Author; and Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Former DMD NLNG/GED of NNPC, House of Rep. member in 1983 at age 25.