JOSEPH AIHIE

Youth participation in politics has become an important issue in democratic governance, especially in developing societies like Edo State. This study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with youth participation in the politics of Edo State. The study was motivated by the increasing role of young people in political activities such as voting, campaigning, political advocacy, and civic engagement, alongside the persistent barriers limiting their full involvement in governance and decision-making processes. The objectives of the study were to identify the level of youth participation in politics in Edo State, examine the factors affecting their participation, and explore the opportunities available for greater political inclusion of youths. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and relied on both primary and secondary sources of data. Findings revealed that although youths in Edo State actively participate in electoral campaigns, social media mobilization, and political rallies, their involvement in leadership and policy-making positions remains limited. Major challenges identified include unemployment, poverty, political violence, godfatherism, lack of political education, inadequate funding, and distrust in political institutions. Despite these obstacles, the study also found significant opportunities for youth political participation through digital media platforms, civic education programs, the “Not Too Young to Run” policy, youth empowerment initiatives, and increasing political awareness among young people. ([CDD Fact Check][1])
The study concluded that youths possess the energy, creativity, and population strength needed to contribute meaningfully to democratic development in Edo State if given equal opportunities and support. It therefore recommended that government, political parties, and civil society organizations should create enabling environments that encourage youth inclusion in governance, strengthen political education, reduce electoral violence, and provide economic empowerment programs for young people. This will enhance democratic participation, political stability, and sustainable development in Edo State and Nigeria at large.

This study examine the Anti-corruption crusade under Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari administration: A comparative study, The specific objectives are to determine the extent to which the public are aware of the anti-corruption crusade of both administration, to ascertain the level of public knowledge about the anti- corruption campaign, to identify the source of public knowledge about the anti- corruption crusade, to examine the perception of the people about the anti- corruption crusade method of data analysis data collected were presented quantitatively using simple frequency tables, percentages and numbers. The findings of the study, it is safe to conclude that the awareness on the anti- corruption crusade of Mr. President Goodluck Jonathan has gained grounds in South-South, Nigeria. This, no doubt, is the reason for the impressive 60% knowledge of the crusade among the people. For which 55.5% of the respondents are not satisfied with the corruption drive so far. This raises a big question on the drive itself and the way it is being approached. The Recommendations of the public need to predispose themselves to the acquisition of knowledge on the anticorruption drive of President Buhari. This is because 60% knowledge might not be enough to appreciate the effort of this administration in fighting corruption. On the aspect of the sources of information, it is recommended that people should use their new media gadgets to source for more information regarding the anti-corruption drive. This will no doubt improve the knowledge of the people on the approach and strategies taken to curb corruption in the country.