A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun West Senatorial District, Dr. Peter Ogundeji, has encouraged young Nigerians to leverage their digital skills and aspire to political leadership, noting that the country’s technological growth places youths at a natural advantage in governance.

Speaking at a colloquium and book launch held in Osogbo to mark his birthday, Ogundeji said youth participation in politics remains essential for national development.

The event was attended by prominent party figures, including former PDP National Chairman now in APC, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, and APC governorship aspirant, Senator Mudashiru Hussein.

Ogundeji highlighted Africa’s unique demographic position, stating that nearly 70 per cent of sub-Saharan Africans are under 30.

He added that Nigeria, with a population of over 230 million, has a median age of 18.1 years, with 58 per cent of its citizens under 25.

He expressed concern that despite the demographic strength, young Nigerians remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces.

He noted that in the 2023 general elections, youth candidacy was below 10 per cent, even though young people form more than half of the population.

Ogundeji attributed this gap to structural challenges, financial limitations, outdated age requirements, and political gatekeeping, stressing the need for reforms that open more opportunities for young leaders.

He said, “When young people participate in governance, they inject fresh ideas, challenge outdated assumptions, and offer solutions driven by innovation. They are uniquely positioned to tackle challenges such as unemployment and corruption, which weaken our institutions.

“Around the world, youth-led governance models have strengthened education, healthcare, infrastructure, and digital economies. Development without youth is like attempting to build a house without a foundation; it simply cannot stand.”

He advised that “Youths must aspire for political leadership positions, and technology has given them an edge. The responsibility lies on us to ask for a leadership position, with the digital age that we are in now, the innovation that comes with it, the youth have an edge.”

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