By Uzo Ugwunze
The Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to youth involvement in governance and electoral processes in Nigeria.
Executive Director of CATYCOI, Nonso Orakwe gave the assurance at a One-Day Community Action Simulation Plan (CASP) Training in Ebonyi State.
He said the training was targeted at empowering young people to actively engage in policy advocacy and leadership.
He said, “The CASP training is structured to provide practical advocacy skills, stakeholder mapping strategies, and approaches to influencing policy change.
“Similar trainings had already been conducted in Anambra, Abia, and Imo States, with Ebonyi State being the next stop before covering the entire South-East region.”
Orakwe listed areas participants were to explore to include understanding advocacy, electoral reform priorities, stakeholder engagement strategies, practical advocacy approaches, among others.
Expressing commitment to championing electoral reforms and spreading the message of YERP 9ja in the State, participants raised certain expected challenges which included limited resources and personnel to expand the simulation exercise across all 13 LGAs in Ebonyi State.
“We have also difficulty accessing remote areas which restricts wider participation; resistance from some stakeholders skeptical of electoral reform initiatives as well as cultural and social barriers which limit engagement, particularly among marginalized groups,” they said.
Program Manager, Israel Orji, while commending the participants for their active involvement in the training, pledged the organization’s willingness to partner with the youths towards addressing the challenges.
“Your enthusiasm and commitment underscore the impact of this initiative in fostering a generation of young advocates dedicated to electoral reform in Nigeria,” he stated.
Orji canvassed for advocacy visits to relevant stakeholders in the State, which he said would commence within the month as well as inclusive stakeholders’ engagement meeting to ensure representation from diverse groups.
“Community leaders and organizations will be engaged to navigate cultural and social nuances affecting electoral reform.
“Partnerships will be formed with local authorities to integrate electoral reform initiatives into existing structures,” he added.