Abuja,
Nigeria – Building on momentum from a mass voter registration drive, a
coalition of several youth empowerment groups and blogs, including Vote
or Quench, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Sleeves Up, and Nigerian Leadership
Initiative, are calling for
the first-ever presidential youth centered
debate in Nigeria. Looking ahead to the April elections, the debate
would focus on the key issues affecting a critical voting demographic,
with the age group of 30 and under representing 70% of the population.
The debate will be a direct conversation with Nigerian youth,
inviting presidential candidates to answer questions posed by young
Nigerians, at home and abroad, via social media networks including
Facebook and Twitter, text messages and phone, about key topics of
concern. For the first time, the candidates will have platform to share
their agenda with the nation in a live-televised format, laying out
specific and concrete solutions. The debate is tentatively scheduled for the last week of March, 2011.
“It is easy for politicians to promise change without having a clue
about the realities Nigerian youth face every day. However, we know that
their decisions now will largely determine our future so we want to
know where they stand. This time around, we are engaged, aware and
empowered, and believe that our vote should be earned and not expected,”
the group said in a joint statement.
The group’s mission started on
January 11th, 2011, with the #IfNaijaVotes donate your status
initiative, prompting Nigerians across the globe to voice their
predictions on the nation’s prospects if free and fair elections are
held, The group now seeks to further educate the Nigerian youth on the
missions and motives of presidential aspirants and will continue to
collaborate on various initiatives to drive voter awareness and
participation. More details on participating groups for the initiative
can be found on the group’s website,. Please visit the group’s website
at www.whataboutusnigeria.org to select the Presidential candidates you will like to see in the debate.
###
Vote or Quench (www.VoteorQuench.org) is
a social media-driven, grassroots campaign created to empower, engage
and involve Nigerian youth – at home and in the Diaspora –in the
political process.
EnoughisEnough Nigeria (www.eienigeria.org) is
a coalition of individuals and youth organizations committed to
instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in
Nigeria through advocacy, activism and the mobilization of the youth
population as responsible citizens. The coalition includes The Future
Project, Light Up Nigeria, Paradigm Initiative and Kudirat Initiative
for Democracy (KIND).
Nigeria Leadership Initiative (www.NLI-Global.org) is
a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. It is a platform for
credible, accomplished and uniquely patriotic Nigerians to develop and
express values-based leadership skills with the aim of assuming a
transformative role in the continuous development of Nigeria.
Sleeves Up! (www.SleevesUp.org) is
a non-governmental, non-profit and non-partisan organisation that
presents a platform for the millions of young Nigerians across the
nation and beyond that are tired of just “talking the talk”; young
Nigerians ready to “walk the walk”. Our mission is to continuously plan,
implement and sustain projects that will enable us build a solid
network of like-minded young Nigerians who are resolved to being MASTERS
of change not VICTIMS of change
Wangonet (www.Wangonet.org) provides intellectual and ICT resources to NGOs, media, educational and cultural institutions, private sector clients.
Culture Shock: Nigerians in America (www.CultureShockNigerians.com) Hosted
by Abimbola Ishola and Kunle Ayodeji, is a new talk radio show airing
on Splash 105.5 FM in various Nigerian cities connecting Nigerians in
Nigeria to Nigerians in America like never before.
Nneka Egbuna (www.NnekaWorld.com) Globally acclaimed Nigerian singer/songwriter.
Nigerian Diaspora Electoral Reform Group (www.NDERG.org) a
US-based, non-profit non-governmental organization whose main aim is to
work with Nigerians and friends of Nigeria within and outside of
Nigeria towards participating in the political, social and electoral
reforms in the country.
Tiwa Works (www.TiwaWorks.com) is
an international marketing, promotions, and event planning firm that
reaches across the 3 continents of North America, Europe and Africa.
Celebrating Progress Africa (www.CP-Africa.com) chooses
to celebrate what is right about Africa. Through partnerships with
organizations online and on the ground, they hope to create a paradigm
shift amongst Africans everywhere and offer a space for inspiration and
creativity.
Nigeria for Nigerians (www.Facebook.com/NigeriansforNigeria) Everything
about Nigeria and Nigerians. Nigeria for Nigerians believe in the
simple premise that Nigeria’s future is up to Nigerians.
Last Plane to Lagos (www.LastPlanetoLagos.com) is an online magazine featuring Events, Culture, Lifestyle, Music and Fashion by creative minds of African origin.
The Nigerian Eagle (www.theNigerianEagle.com) unites
Nigerians around the world of all ages for the purpose of sharing
opinions, views, beliefs, and suggested solutions for our country’s
progress – then to educate and unite the next generation of Nigerians
around the world to share their opinions, increase their interest and
enlighten them of the great historical and present facts of our great
Nation.
Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (www.yiaga.org) YAIA
is a Jos-based youth-led non-governmental, non-political and
non-religious organization that systematically aims to promote democracy
and foster active youth participation in democratic and good governance
processes.
Chiedu Ifeozo (www.ChieduIfeozo.blogspot.com) Renowned Nigerian writer & poet
Contact Information:
Nosarieme Garrick
Kola Oyeneyin
Kemdi Ebi
+234.803.490.9906
+234.706.536.1461
+1.646.504.8457
info@whataboutusnigeria.org
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