The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Europe Chapter, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over its exclusion from a meeting between the Nigerian community and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima during his recent visit to Sweden.
Ambassador Collins Idahosa, governor of the council, in a chat with Vanguard, condemned the Nigeria Embassy in Sweden’s staff and protocol for blocking youth leaders from meeting with the Vice President.
Idahosa was shocked to discover that irrelevant organizations were invited to meet with Shettima, while the Youth Council, which he represents, was snubbed. As the representative of European-based Nigerian youths, Idahosa expected the council to be part of the delegation, especially considering the government’s policy on youth engagement.
“The Youth council is not there, which I represent. I represent the entire youth in Europe and based in Sweden. Even other youth leaders in the country were not invited. It is surprising. I really don’t know when we will get to do things in the right way. This is unfair, and we cannot get things right in this way,” Idahosa said.
He questioned the criteria used to compile the list of invited organizations, expressing frustration that the youth were blocked from meeting with the Vice President, adding that the council’s exclusion has raised questions about the embassy’s selection process vis-a-vis the government’s priorities regarding youth engagement.
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“What they have done highlighted the need for greater transparency and inclusivity in government engagements, particularly with youth organizations. If we seek to strengthen international relations and promote economic growth, the voices of its youth must be heard,” he said.
It was gathered that the council in Sweden is already planning a press conference to give further detail on the issue.
Vice President Shettima’s 2-day visit to Sweden aimed to boost trade and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Sweden will end today.