RISE Networks, Nigeria’s leading social enterprise with a deliberate interest and passion for Youth and Education Development has announced the Nigerian Commemoration of the 2015 Edition of the United Nations International Youth Day with the theme as “Youth Civic Engagement: The Significant Role of Youth in Politics and Public Life”. The UN-endorsed event is aimed at promotion and emphasis on the importance of the Nigerian youth in political and civil participation. Youth inclusion in governance and the understanding of their civil responsibilities have been the main focus of both RISE Networks and the UN.
The event will hold on Monday, August 31st, 2015 at the Multi-purpose Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos by12:00 noon.
Keynote addresses will be delivered by the Senate President of Nigeria, Sen. (Dr.) Bukola Saraki (CON) and immediate past Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola (SAN). Guest speakers at the Panel Discussion session will include Mo Abudu, MD/CEO Ebony Life TV; Moses Siasia, Chairman, Nigerian Young Professionals’ Forum (NYPF); Dr. Reuben Abati, Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to Former President Goodluck Jonathan; and Chief Dele Momodu, Publisher/CEO Ovation Magazine.
Panel discussion will be moderated by Renowned journalist and public commentator, Tolu Ogunlesi.
The event will feature a debate themed “My Political party’s Policy on Youth Inclusion in Governance in Governance and Politics is the best for Nigeria” with representatives from the two major political parties in Nigeria— Rinsola Abiola, Acting President, APC Young Women’s Forum and Member, APC Board of Trustees; and Anthony Ehilebo, Volunteer Secretary, RETHINK Nigeria, a PDP-affiliated Youth Group, taking opposing stands.
There will also be an inter-generational dialogue, art and photo exhibition and stage play as part of the Celebrations. First Bank PLC, Verve, Close-up are official sponsors of the event. The event is ably supported by the University of Lagos. Official media partners are The Sheet NG, For Campus, Ebony Life TV, City 105.1 FM and The Guardian Newspapers.
Speakers from last year’s Event include Jimi Agbaje, the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate for Lagos 2015, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, CEO of Famfa Oil & Forbes rated Africa’s Richest Woman, Popular Actress and Politician, Kate Henshaw, Lawyer and Human Rights Activist, Festus Keyamo, Patrick Obaighagbon, Ex-Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River & Dr. Joe Okei Odumakin