Over 4000 youths across South East Nigeria will converge in Imo State to discuss their participation in Political leadership in the region and across the country ahead of the 2019 elections.

According to the South East forum coordinator and Africa Regional Director at GLEEHD Foundation, Mr. Dayo Israel, GLEEHD Foundation is in collaboration with the Commonwealth Africa Initiative and other partners to stage the event in order to deliberate on the active participation of youths in the upcoming 2019 general elections.

“We believe that Nigeria must subscribe to the new trend of youthful political leadership in developed climes. From Luxembourg, Canada, Ireland to the election of 39-year old Emmanuel Macron in France, the world is changing and Nigeria must follow suit.”

“There must therefore be a deliberate attempt to eradicate the systemic alienation of Young Africans from the political process in a conscious attempt to secure a political future for the country. It’s on this premise that GLEEHD Foundation in collaboration with the Commonwealth Africa Initiative and other partners is bringing together stakeholders to discuss how Young Nigeria can be major actors in the Nigerian political scenes especially as regards the 2019 general elections”, Dayo said.

Slated for Saturday, 18th November, 2017 the youth forum tagged: Nigeria’s Emerging Political Leaders Forum, 2017 will have discussions around: Understanding the Run of play in your constituency and winning against the run of play, Not too young but too broke to run: funding and financing your campaign, Politics 101: Managing party stakeholders and leaders for new entrant interested in winning party tickets, Securing your Vote on Election Day: lessons for aspiring independent candidates, Building a Campaign and Political Structure, Winning with Women, and Becoming politically active without contesting election.

The forum will have in attendance the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha ; Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa ; Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa and Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chukwuemeka Ihedioha.

Other panelists to speak at the event are Former Presidential Candidate and Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barthlomew Nnaji; Former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Former Nigerian Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Mrs Kema Chikwe;  Member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chief Goodluck Nanah Opiah; Member, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Chima Obieze; Chief Financial Officer Zenith Bank, Mr. Stanley Amuchie; President/CEO, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, Sam Ohuabunwa; Former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Uche Onyeagocha, among others.

The event will be followed with by full day training on Political Leadership and Campaign Management by the ‘Ready Run Win Academy’ of GLEEHD Foundation on 21st November in Imo.