Present at the launch was Hon. Babajide Obanikoro who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, candidate Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, Mr Bankole Wellington (a.k.a Banky W), the Chair of the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chief Peter Ameh, youth leaders from youth interest groups, officials of political parties and members of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF).

The campaign, aimed at promoting values in politics, officially commenced with a panel discussion on  ‘Developing Young Persons for Advancing Politics with Values in Nigeria’. The discussion set the tone for the training of members of the Politics With Values network and the 40 young volunteers on a Politics with Values Scorecard. The instrument, which was developed by a team of consultants, will be used to assess the performance of young legislators based on set criteria.

In a goodwill message at the workshop, Hon Obanikoro emphasised that the promotion of values in politics resonates with the current uproar for a paradigm shift on how politics is played in Nigeria.

According to the Speaker, the campaign has introduced a new dimension to the message of inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in governance and decision-making processes in Nigeria. He urged all participants at the workshop to seize the opportunity and contribute meaningfully to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

WFD is currently implementing the #PoliticswithValues campaign, working closely with members of the PwV Network and 40 young volunteers. The campaign will amplify the work of young members of the National Assembly who are practising politics with positive values.

The members of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) will in the process, also mentor the PwV volunteers and the reports generated from this engagement serve as content for an intensive virtual campaign to reach a wider population of young people in Nigeria, and beyond. In return, young people will be exposed to best practices on active citizens representation. The campaign will also create a platform for youths to be conversant with the legislative and political process.