Building Bayelsa together through participatory democracy By the coalition for development and democracy in Bayelsa

After a joint participation of over 500 youths from various universities, youth groups and local government areas, they all came to an observation that:

1. The twin challenges of youth in the state are ignorance and poverty.
2. That the education system in the state lacks enough deliverables.
3. That youth are not playing their proper roles in the society.
4. That youth are still allowing themselves to be used as thugs during elections.
5. That students are still engaging in drug abuse
6. That elected representatives are not engaging constituents in consultations to be abreast of their challenges.
7. That imposition of candidates on the electorate is a major hindrance to development and democracy.
8. That the youths lack job opportunities.
9. That scholarship must be given on merit to those who cannot afford fees.
10. That those in privileged positions are amassing the commonwealth to the detriment of the society.
11. That the youth and students are disadvantaged in policy formulation and implementation.

They also made some recommendations which are as follows:

1. That there is need for the youth to get it right now in order to make the desired impact on the state.
2. That there should be a declaration of a campaign against ignorance and poverty.
3. That the youth must make electoral choices for the growth and development of the state.
4. That the youth must shun drug abuse and get the best education possible while scholarships should be awarded on merit.
5. That they should shun all inducements in electing the best candidates during elections.
6. That Legislators must hold consultations with their constituents on the way forward as part of a bottom-top approach to the issue of development.
7. That the issue of imposition of candidates must be stopped.
8. That government must provide adequate opportunities for the youths.
9. Youths must be uncompromising in exterminating the negative effects of poor leadership in the state.
10. Students must use their population to lead a revolution to right the wrongs in the education system.
11. That the youth must also learn to be self reliant.
Signed:
Dr. Ekiyor Welson
Executive Director,
Coalition for Development and Democracy Bayelsa