Youth Initiative Unveils Policy Brief to Deepen Democratic Governance in Ekiti
Ado-Ekiti – A youth leadership development initiative funded by the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation and Luminate, and implemented by LEAP Africa, has unveiled a policy brief aimed at promoting transformational leadership, participatory governance and sustainable development in Ekiti State.
The policy brief was launched during the Closing-Out Ceremony and Launch of the Policy Brief on Reforming Democratic Governance and Leadership for Sustained Prosperity and Cohesion in Ekiti State, held in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of Leading the Future: Ekiti Youth Dialogue, Mr. Oluwamuyiwa Ajaja, said leadership and good governance remain critical to the political, economic and social development of any society.
According to him, although Ekiti State’s return to democratic governance in 1999 raised high expectations among citizens, many of the anticipated dividends of democracy have yet to be fully realised.
Ajaja explained that the policy brief examined the relationship between democratic governance, effective leadership and sustainable development in Ekiti State, while identifying the major challenges hindering the state’s progress and proposing practical policy reforms.
“The achievement of the political, economic and social goals of any political community depends largely on leadership and governance,” he said.
He noted that the report identified corruption, electoral malpractice, political exclusion, weak local government administration, inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, underemployment, insecurity and challenges in the education sector as major obstacles to sustainable development in the state.
The report further observed that many of these challenges are rooted in poor governance and the actions of political elites, stressing the need for deliberate reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, promote transparency and accountability, curb corruption and encourage active citizen participation in governance.
It also emphasised the importance of creating a stable political and socio-economic environment that would enable citizens to maximise available opportunities and contribute meaningfully to community development.
Highlighting the role of leadership across various sectors, the report stated that effective leadership in government, business, public service, the security sector and civil society remains essential for achieving sustainable growth and development.
Among its key recommendations, the policy brief called for the establishment of Leadership Mentorship Centres across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State to nurture ethical, competent and visionary young leaders capable of driving positive change.
It also advocated stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders and young people to enhance inclusive governance, improve transparency and expand youth participation in public decision-making.
The organisers expressed optimism that the recommendations contained in the policy brief would serve as a practical framework for policy reforms that would strengthen democratic governance, promote social cohesion and accelerate sustainable development in Ekiti State.