NED Event on Youth and Democracy in Nigeria

I wanted to call attention to an event happening tomorrow at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), “The Role of Youth in Strengthening the Democratic Transition in Nigeria” featuring Kingsley N.T. Bangwell, the founder of Youngstars Development Initiative, a Nigerian NGO based in Jos, Plateau state.

Considering the potential of youth to bring about positive change as well as the destabilizing impact of their high rate of unemployment, this topic is timely. During the April 2011 national elections, Nigerian youth played a positive role under the umbrella of civil society organizations. But they also participated in the uprisings that swept the North and left hundreds dead. Finding ways to channel youthful energy and enthusiasm and also to meet their needs, especially for employment, will be essential to improving Nigeria’s governance and economic development.

Event details are as follows:

Thursday, June 9, 2011, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Main Conference Room

1025 F Street, N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20004

Please RSVP (acceptances only) with name and affiliation to [email protected].

Apparently, it will be broadcast as well, so check out NED’s event page.