Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said on Tuesday that the Federal Government has to be transparent and honest in its engagement with the Nigerian youths.
The vice president said transparent and honest engagement with the youths has become necessary to build a progressive society and nation.
He stated this when he welcomed to the Presidential Villa, the executive committee of the Young Parliamentarians Forum led by its Chairman, Hon. Karu Simon Elisha from Kebbi State.
He said, “The implementation of the Buhari administration’s Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) is not done on the basis of sharing slots between public officials or political chieftains, but in a manner whereby Nigerians who knew no one can benefit and did benefit.
“The first problem was everybody wanted a slot. I resisted it. Why? If I do that, we will destroy the programmes because majority of Nigerians don’t know people who will take the slots.
“It was not that one was being purist, but if young people can’t get the benefit except they know someone, then we have failed the young people.”
Noting the crucial place of the youths in nation-building, Prof. Osinbajo said the youths are not just demography but they are in the majority.
“What we need to do for that vast majority is what we must do for our country. We must find a way so they are represented as effectively as possible.”
He welcomed the support of the House of Representatives members for the newly formed National Economic Council committee to interface with youths, and other stakeholders on issues of employment, social safety-nets and national unity.
The leader of the Young Parliamentarians delegation, Hon. Elisha, commended the vice president’s sincere interaction with the youths over the years, particularly in the wake of the #EndSARS protests across the country.
He called for improved interaction between youths and leaders at all levels.
In his contribution at the meeting, Hon. Luke Onofiok, from Akwa Ibom State also commended the courage exhibited by the Vice President in honestly addressing issues in the wake of the nationwide protests.
He said, “We appreciate the messages you sent to the youth during the protests. It doused tensions. You did the job of John the Baptist for the President ahead of his speech to the nation.”
The Federal legislator, a PDP member, added that “we want to thank you for the sincere and transparent communication.”
He then called for a bi-partisan approach to address the fallouts of the youth protests.
Other members of the forum at the meeting include Hon. Hafiz Ibrahim Kawu, Tarauni Federal Constituency (Kano State); Hon. Kabiru Tukura, Zuru/Fakai/Sakaba/D/Wasagu Federal Constituency (Kebbi State); Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency (Niger State); Hon. Taiwo Oluga, Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency (Osun Sate); Hon. Shina Abiola-Peller, Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency (Oyo State).
Elisha represents Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency in Gombe State while Onofiak is from Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State.
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