At the heart of the controversy surrounding the recent visit of the Vice President of Nigeria to Sweden, a crucial issue of representation and inclusion arises. The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Europe Chapter, has expressed outrage at its exclusion from a meeting with the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, pointing the finger at the staff and protocol of the Nigerian Embassy in Sweden for blocking youth leaders.
Ambassador Collins Idahosa, Governor of the council, decried the fact that organisations with no direct link to youth were invited to meet the Vice President, while the National Youth Council, which is responsible for representing Nigerian youth in Europe, was ignored. This exclusion angered Idahosa, who stressed the importance of including youth voices in official discussions, in line with the government’s policy on youth engagement.
The critical issue raised by this incident is that of transparency and inclusiveness in government relations, particularly with youth organisations. The methodology used to select the invited organisations raises legitimate questions about the government’s priorities in youth engagement. The exclusion of the youth council has highlighted the need for a more transparent and inclusive approach to strengthening international relations and promoting economic growth.
In response, the National Youth Council in Sweden is planning a press conference to highlight these issues and make its voice heard. It is imperative that young people are fully included in discussions and decision-making to ensure that the diversity and plurality of Nigerian youth in Europe are fairly represented.
Vice President Shettima’s visit to Sweden, aimed at strengthening trade and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Sweden, ends today. However, the issues raised by the exclusion of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Europe Chapter, will continue to spark debates on the inclusion and participation of young people in political and diplomatic matters.