A
civic technology organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, has called
for engagement with young Nigerians in order to consolidate Nigeria’s
democracy and good governance.
The
organisation, which is pushing for accountability and transparency in
governance, stated that creative engagement with young people was the
only way for Nigeria’s democracy to thrive.
Country
Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, stated this at the
official unveiling of the organisation’s Voice2Rep – Raise your voice
project, on Thursday, Abuja.
Odeh
said that for the country’s democracy to move forward, young people
should be given greater participation in the political process.
This, he explained, would help to create a unified voice for an inclusive and fair society.
Odeh said citizens continued to suffer from resulting from lack of accountability and representation.
He
explained that this has forced ordinary citizens to remain political
spectators while quietly suffering the agony of poor governance and its
consequences.
The
country director explained that the project will give opportunities and
representation to young musical artists without access in the music
industry.
He
said: “The consolidation of democracy and good governance in Nigeria
calls for creative engagement with young people, greater participation
in the political process and a unified voice for an inclusive and fair
society.
“Nigerians
continues to suffer from entrenched challenges around accountability
and lack of representation. Ordinary citizens in most cases remain
political spectators quietly suffering the agony of poor governance and
its consequences.
“Politicians
come and promise you a lot during election. After four years they come
back again. There is need to hold them accountable. Don’t wait for them
to come back in the next four years before you hold them accountable.
“With
Voice2Rep, through lyrics, our artists can hold politicians
accountable. One of the things we look to address is engaging renowned
musicians and development experts in this area.
“We
will mentor first time artists to make songs on elections, women’s
rights and accountability. In this way, the music becomes the gateway
towards large changes in behaviours and knowledge will be appreciated.
“It
will address key challenges that include the low level of knowledge
among Nigerians about their lives and their responsibilities and the
importance of elections, the need to vote for candidates with policies
rather than simply based on their personalities.
Speaking
on the new project, he said: “Voice to Represent (Voice2Rep) is a first
of its kind music competition searching for top first-time
WaZoBia-Pigin English music artists who support greater representation,
participation and accountability across Nigeria.
“It
gives these rising stars a platform to make their voices heard, connect
with socially-conscious leaders in the music industry and build the
skills they need to shape the future of the country through music.
“Voice2Rep
is run by Accountability Lab Nigeria in partnership with the Dutch
Embassy Chocolate City- one of the largest music platforms and
entertainment companies on the African continent.”
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