Inspired
by the belief that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its youthful
population, a foundation sponsored by the musician 2face Idibia and a
prominent youth organization, the Youngstars Development Initiative,
have unveiled a nationwide youth get-out-the-vote campaign to encourage a
peaceful process surrounding the country’s general elections next
February.
2face, considered a music icon, has noted
that young people are often used to commit violence. The campaign’s
slogan, “Vote Not Fight: Election No Be War,” urges politicians not to
use youth to commit acts of violence or political hooliganism before,
during and after the elections. By informing youth about their civic
rights and responsibilities, the campaign seeks to encourage youth to
make active, positive and peaceful contributions to the elections and
their communities.
“The
idea is to transform the Nigerian youth into peacemakers and
ambassadors in their communities for the promotion of a conflict-free
environment,” said 2face. “Youths have to be involved and it goes beyond
elections, even getting yourself registered in a political party. If
you sit down to complain it would remain just that.”
As a sign of their commitment to the campaign’s goals, young Nigerians are encouraged to sign the official “Vote Not Fight” pledge: I want a peaceful Naija, therefore I pledge to vote and participate peacefully in the elections.
The
campaign will feature concerts headlined by 2face, advocacy to
community and religious leaders, outreach to media organizations, voter
education caravans or road shows, and local festivals across the country
to mobilize youth as an active voice for peace and a key voting
constituency. “Vote Not Fight” events are planned for Lagos,
Gombe, Rivers, Benue, Enugu and Kano states with an emphasis on areas
where election violence is likely.
The
campaign has received broad international support, including technical
assistance from NDI and funding from the U.S. Agency for International
Development. The Institute and its partners launched the campaign
Sept. 30 at the Ikeja Event Center in Lagos with representatives from
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the United States
Consulate, Nigerian civil society, the press, and such prominent
citizens as Yemi Ransome Kuti, sister of famed musician Fela Kuti, in
attendance. A second launch event in Kaduna on October 9 unveiled the
campaign to Northern youth, including victims of violence during the
2011 elections.
“It’s
heart-warming to see youths gather to talk about the electoral
process,” said INEC representative Ijeoma Okey-Igbokwe. “INEC has
confidence in youths, and that’s why we have often worked with them.”
Nigerians
and members of the international community who wish to support a
peaceful 2015 electoral process and youth political activism can sign on
to the campaign pledge by sending a text message to the MTN number
09030000093, online at the www.votenotfight.org website, or through the Vote Not Fight Facebook page.
Pledge cards will also be distributed at each of the campaign events.
U.S. Ambassador James Entwistle has already signaled the international
community’s support; a video recording of the ambassador taking the
campaign pledge was shown during the launch events.
2face -- who is known for such hit songs as African
Queen and My Rainbow -- will mobilize youth to participate in the
campaign at concerts, pledge signing events and media appearances that
he and his foundation will organize throughout Nigeria. He composed and
released a new single
in support of the campaign, which debuted at the campaign launch. The
single, Vote Not Fight NOW!, combines reggae beats, Afro pop, and an
appeal for peace during the upcoming elections. 2face, who changed his
stage name to Tubaba last July, is known for his nonpartisan approach to
politics and for his activism on behalf of peace and Nigerian youth.
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