Youth Agitation For Leadership is High in Nigeria-Seyi Bamidele
Can we meet you?
Footprints on the sand of time are not made by sitting down; hard work, diligence, transparency, consistency and dedication to duty earn great men exalted honor.
I am Seyi Bamidele, born on the 16th of July, 1983 in the city of Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Southwest Nigeria. Started primary and secondary educational pursuits in the old Oyo State which included the present day Osun State.
I thereafter proceeded to Federal College of Education (FCE) Oyo where he studied Social Studies Special Education on Learning Disabilities. My passion for selfless activism, commitment to students welfarism and enthusiasm for community development started in 2001 as a student politician, I was an astute student leader of great repute while I was in the Federal College. I became a known and respected leader with rear leadership qualities among my peers.
In the year 2001-2003, I was a vibrant member of the Student Parliament and became the Honorable Speaker of the hallowed chamber in 2004. I thereafter proceeded to hold key positions in the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) where i was elected as the NANS JCC PRO Oyo Axis in 2004, NANS JCC A Chairman Oyo Axis in 2005, NANS National Treasurer in 2007 and NANS Zone D Convention Chairman in 2007 respectively.
In business, I'm the Chief Executive Officer of the Bambiol Consult the company he registered in 2010 which convers Printing, Properties and Hospitality businesses and the founder Shake Global Economic Empowerment and Social Initiatives. Meanwhile, I have attended several national and international conferences on youth, education and health, gender etc.
My spirit of emancipation in politics ensured I found a watered garden as the prominent member of Osun state Peoples Democratic Party and i was the proactive Youth Leader of Osun State Peoples Democratic Party before he was recently elected as the Zonal Youth Leader of the Southwest zone of the party in Nigeria.
The grave of legends are not dug until the whole world hears their voices. I am always at the trumpet of my voice to rescue the waning youths, to be the arbiter in knotty issues and to cry against all forms of social stratification, negligence and insanity. Happily married and blessed with beautiful kids.
2023 is around the corner; what is your view about the Not Too Young To Run (NTYTR) movement?
For me it is no going back. I just set a precedence in the last concluded southwest congress. I insisted that we must abide with the provision of party constitution on age limit for the post of youth leader and that was led to my emergence.
Are young people really ready for 2023, politics and leadership?
Definitely YES. We all witness aftermath of END SARS in 2023.
It has been argued that young people are not ready for the rigours of elections and elective positions, instead they are satisfied with the crumbs they get from the old politicians and being the 'youth leaders' and pawns of these old politicians. How true is this?
That is not true. The rate in which young people is agitating for leadership is very high.
So far, no young person has vocally shown seriousness for the 2023 general election; only the same old brigade politicians.
Do you think the time and effort spent pushing NTYTR Bill was worth it?
It really worth it. Its a gradual process and we shall get there.
What in your view are some of the issues impeding young people to vie for the office of the president, governor or even the senate?
Finance. All political party should review the cost of the nomination forms and all other expenses.
Why are younger people in the established political parties like the PDP, APC not advocating for lower spending limits?
They are but most of their agitation are not make public due to party guidelines. They are fighting, advocating and agitating inside the party.
Do you think that the law that allows young people to elective office on one hand whilst the cost of getting a nomination form is way beyond their reach on the hand is contradictory? Exactly
Do you see the possibility of young coming together, united and more formidable enough to form their own parties, present a united force/coalition and fund themselves to win elections?
Very possible. Young people are now coming together but I dont see it coming to reality by 2023. Tunde Eso who is the originator of YOUTHOCRACY which is defined as government of the people, by the youth and for the people in 2013 is one of the young Nigerian uniting the youth to ensure increase of industrialization, new idealology and growth in our political system and education. He is one out of the few Nigerian trying to actualize the dream.
Do you think the youths really understand the implication of all that is happening regarding the NTYTR bill?
Only few but with proper orientation all young people will see reason to get involved.
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