The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria  to include youths in leadership positions to curb the growing agitations for secession across the country.

Mr. Samuel Bwalya, the UNDP CountRy Director stated this in Abuja on Saturday while addressing the String B, Batch A of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during the 2017 International Youth Day Celebration at their orientation camp  in Kubwa.

Bwalya, who was represented by Adams Bergman, Head, Department of Governance and Peace Building stated that the realisation of the crucial role of youths in the propagation of peace and creation of socio-politically stable communities necessitated UNDP’s partnership with the NYSC.

Bwalya said: “The NYSC is a unique platform that can mobilise youths for peace and to help reverse the negative trends of violent conflicts with their attendant loss of lives and property in Nigeria.

“The process of social inclusion for youths, including participation in decision-making as well as access to quality education, healthcare basic services, promotes their role as active contributors to society, and affords young people  the opportunities to reach their potential and achieve their goals,” he added.