As the 2023 general elections gather momentum, an advocate of the GoNigeria campaign that seeks to enlighten the Nigerian youth towards participation in the country’s electoral process, Mr. Muhammad Ali Pate, a Professor of Public Health Leadership at Harvard University and former Health Minister, has joined others in the quest of encouraging young eligible Nigerians to register and collect their voter’s card for the elections.
According to Professor Pate who currently serves as the Global Director for Health, Nutrition, and Population at the World Bank Group:
Widespread poverty, insecurity, and youth unemployment are direct results of the political system Nigeria operates to elect its leaders. If you want to change the results, you must participate in the elections. Otherwise, your decision not to participate is a decision for continuing a failed political system,” he affirmed.
The position of the Anap Foundation advocate is also well-timed as it is coming at a time Anap Foundation kick-starts its enlightenment campaign themed Go Nigeria, a campaign to sensitize Nigerian youths to participate in the electoral process leading to the election of visionary leaders.
Anap Foundation will be partnering with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other advocates, celebrity ambassadors, corporate bodies as well as volunteers in ensuring a huge success is attained in encouraging the youths in understanding that their votes count in having the right leaders at the country’s helm of affairs.
The campaign is in full gear with the initial advocates of Anap Foundation, who have intensified efforts at encouraging young Nigerians to register and collect their PVC to vote in next year’s general elections towards ensuring good governance and accessing the true dividends of democracy.
The initial advocates are Aisha Yesufu, Active Nigerian Citizen; Nuruddeen Lemu, Director, Research & Training, the Da’wah Institute, Islamic Education Trust; Dike Chukwumerije, Poet; Folarin Falana (Falz), Musician, Actor, and Entertainer; Atedo Peterside, Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank + President & Founder, Anap Foundation; Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic Church, Sokoto; Arunma Oteh, Chairperson, Royal African Society and Scholar, University of Oxford; Hamzat Lawal, Founder, Connected Development (CODE); Tomiwa Aladekomo, National Chair, Youth Party; Osita Chidoka, Founder UnlockNaija, Former Minister, Aviation & Corps Marshal FRSC; and Dr. Tony Rapu, Medical Doctor and Pastor.
Others include ‘Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director, EiE Nigeria; Muhammad Ali Pate, Professor of Public Health Leadership at Harvard, Former Minister and former World Bank Global Director for Health; HH Muhammad Sanusi II, 14th Emir of Kano & Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniya Order; Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, Former Minister, Former Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, Chairman, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and President, King’s College Old Boys Association; Ayisha Osori, Author; and Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Former DMD NLNG/GED of NNPC + House of Rep. member in 1983 at age 25.