NYCN calls for increased youth participation in politics, governance

The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Mr Ibrahim Adigun , has called on young people to take a more active role in governance and politics.

Adigun made the call during the council’s maiden media chat in Lagos ahead of the second edition of the Youth and Governance Symposium.

Our correspondent reports that the second edition of the Youth and Governance Symposium is scheduled to hold on June 19 at the University of Lagos.

According to the chairman, the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between young people and policymakers, encourage civic participation and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“Youths constitute more than 65 per cent of registered voters in Lagos and possess the numerical strength to shape electoral outcomes and influence leadership decisions across the state.

“I urge youths to move beyond social media activism and become active participants in governance.

“Meaningful change can only occur when young people engage directly in political and leadership processes,” he said.

Adigun said the first edition of the symposium attracted over 3,000 participants and recorded significant successes, including increased youth participation in local government elections.

He added that the programme also contributed to the emergence of more young candidates and office holders across various political structures.

The youth leader acknowledged that youth representation was still below expectation.

He described the growing presence of young people in leadership positions as a positive development that must be sustained and expanded.

The NYCN chairman also urged political parties to protect the mandates of young candidates who emerged from recent primaries.

According to him, greater youth representation on the ballot will inspire more young people to participate in elections and governance.

He emphasised that empowering young leaders was essential to securing the future of democracy and ensuring that governance reflected the aspirations of the majority youth population.

Adigun highlighted the council’s efforts to reach youths across all social and economic backgrounds through grassroots advocacy, vocational training, technology-driven programmes and leadership development initiatives.

He said the council had implemented programmes such as the Back-to-Street Initiative, tech accelerator projects and the Lagos Youth Development Institute (LYDI) to equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive.

“We have impacted youths through strategic partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organisations and private-sector stakeholders,” he said.

Speaking on the forthcoming symposium, Adigun said the event would feature a chat with the Deputy Governor of Lagos State and interactive panel discussions involving policymakers and youth leaders.

He added that the programme would also feature the unveiling of Youth Advocacy Champions and an address by the Minister of Youth Development.

According to him, the event will provide a platform for direct engagement between government officials and young people.

“The symposium will promote accountability, leadership development and greater youth inclusion in decision-making.

“It will also provide an opportunity for youths to contribute to conversations that will shape the future of governance and development in Nigeria,” he said.

Adigun reaffirmed the council’s commitment to ensuring that no young person was left behind in the quest for a more inclusive, prosperous and youth-driven society.

Earlier, Mr Abubakar Asoro, Vice chairman NYCN Lagos East, said the council had intensified mobilisation efforts for the second edition targeting over 5,000 participants, compared to the 3,000 recorded last year.

Asoro said the council was also leveraging its network of 58 voluntary youth organisations, 57 local branches, community-based groups, student bodies, independent youth, persons with disabilities, and ethnic youth associations to ensure broad participation.