Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the chairman of the entertainment/welfare sub-committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elective national convention, says the party should inject vibrancy, new ideas, and cultural inclusivity at its forthcoming Ibadan convention.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) said this at the inaugural meeting of her subcommittee in Abuja.

She said that although the committee members were diligently selected, the party and Nigerians expect a great deal from them, even as preparations for the convention are in full gear.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan said the subcommittee should not be limited to enriching the party members with food and drinks but should come up with activities that will appeal to other Nigerians who would watch the programme on television.

“We must ensure that our entertainment cuts across the cultures of our dear country. We must make sure that no region is left out of representing and participating in the cultural festivities,” she said.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan added that the entertainment should be tailored to attract new members to the party, saying parties grow by the inflow of persons.

“There are many Nigerians who have turned the age of 18 since the last convention, even since the last election, and they are searching for a party upon which they can entrust their political future.

“So we must present our activities such that we will be the admired party for the youth,” she said.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan said one of the ways the subcommittee could do that is by incorporating their ideas, especially through the musical acts and the cultural activities for that day.

She said the subcommittee must embrace new vibes, new ideas, new participation, and a new vision.

The lawmaker tasked the members to organise a pre-convention for cultural challenges in their respective states to get the best.

“On Friday, as the chairperson of this committee, I will take it upon myself to put out a challenge for musical participation from my state, and probably the best will win an award of a cash token and also a chance to participate,” she said.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the party’s national women leader, Amina Bryhm, also the secretary of the subcommittee, said the preparations for the convention were in an advanced stage.

“All the committees are up and running. We are just doing finishing touches to all the caterers and all the artists that will be part of the event, and we hope to organise a memorable convention,” she said.

(NAN)