By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — Nigerian youths on Friday demanded greater inclusion in governance and decision-making ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying they want a greater role in shaping the country’s political and economic future.
The call came as youths under the umbrella of the National Youth Stakeholders Forum, NYSF, presented a Youth Charter on Accountability, Inclusion, Security and Sustainable Development and urged political leaders to expand youth participation in governance, economic development and nation-building.
The demands were made at the first National Youth Conference organised by the NYSF in Abuja to commemorate Democracy Day.
Speakers at the event included NYSF Chairman, Jamal Salisu Ahmad; Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Ambassador Edet Eyo; chief presenter of the Youth Charter, HRM Sooko Oladotun Hassan; and former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, who chaired the conference.
Ahmad said, “We cannot continue waiting endlessly for a tomorrow whose arrival remains uncertain.
“We are not asking to replace anyone. We are simply asking to be included as partners in governance and nation-building now.
“For far too long, we have voted, yet remained absent from many of the tables where decisions affecting our future are made.”
The charter outlined a broad range of demands aimed at increasing youth participation in national life, spanning governance, public accountability, education, security and economic opportunity.
Among the proposals were a National Youth Trust Fund to provide grants and loans for young people, a National Youth Data System to improve planning and policy implementation, a National Youth House to serve as a national hub for youth organisations, and a National Youth Rights Act to protect the welfare and participation rights of young Nigerians.
The charter also called for constitutional reforms, stronger accountability in public office, improved security, reforms in the education sector and sustainable development policies targeted at young Nigerians.
Speaking on the rationale behind the conference, Ahmad said Nigeria’s youthful population remained one of its greatest assets but continued to be underrepresented in leadership and decision-making processes.
Ahmad said, “Young people are demanding accountability because we believe public resources should be used for public good.
“We believe government officials should be answerable to the people they serve.”
Ahmed argued that youth inclusion was necessary for governance to reflect the realities of a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, innovation and emerging opportunities.
Addressing delegates, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Ambassador Edet Eyo, described the gathering as more than a routine conference, saying it was aimed at strengthening youth participation in governance and national development.
“This conference is not merely another gathering of youths. It is a national conversation. It is a movement,” he said.
Organisers said the charter emerged from extensive consultations involving youth leaders, student bodies, ethnic youth organisations, civil society groups, professional associations and community-based organisations drawn from the country’s six geopolitical zones.
According to Eyo, the document captures the aspirations of young Nigerians for a country where youths are meaningfully represented in governance, citizens enjoy adequate security, education responds to modern realities and development opportunities are accessible to all.
Presenting the charter, HRM Sooko Oladotun Hassan said youth development must occupy a central place in national policy, warning that neglecting the country’s young population could undermine long-term stability and national progress.
“Without meaningful youth development, national security and social stability cannot be guaranteed,” he said.
He said the charter seeks to strengthen constitutional democracy, secure concrete commitments from political leaders ahead of the 2027 elections and position young Nigerians as active stakeholders in governance rather than passive observers.
Hassan also acknowledged ongoing efforts to address national challenges while urging government to deepen engagement with young people and strengthen institutions dedicated to youth development.
Offering what he described as a personal message to young Nigerians, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau urged them to embrace discipline, hard work, perseverance and patience as the foundation for leadership and success.
Shekarau said, “Opportunities must be earned through effort, commitment and dedication.
“Persevere. Remain committed to what is right. Continue to pursue your goals with determination and conviction.”
The former governor said responsible conduct remained the foundation of personal growth and public service, urging young people to remain steadfast in the face of challenges if they hoped to make meaningful contributions to national development.
The conference ended with the formal presentation of the Youth Charter for transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
