Natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the auspices of Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO) said the establishment of FCT Youth Network (FCT-YN) has brought greater coordination to indigenous youth advocacy, promoted peaceful engagement with government and created a pipeline for grooming future leaders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The executive director of AOIYEO, Commandant Isaac David, stated this during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, where he explained the rationale behind the creation of the youth network and outlined its achievements since inception.
David said the organisation recognised the need for a structured platform to organise indigenous youths, noting that just as politicians build political structures to pursue power and implement their programmes, citizens also need organised civic platforms to engage government and advance their collective interests.
“Those who seek political office usually form structures that amplify their reach, support their ambitions and help them implement their objectives. Likewise, ordinary citizens need organised civil structures through which they can engage government on critical issues, amplify their voices and contribute meaningfully to public discourse,” he said.
He explained that the FCT Youth Network was established after AOIYEO observed that the agitation for the rights of Abuja’s Original Inhabitants had become fragmented, with individuals speaking independently in the media without a coordinated position.
According to him, the absence of a common voice often created conflicting narratives that weakened the advocacy for indigenous rights.
“Our agitation became too open. Anyone could appear on television, radio or in newspapers and speak on behalf of the FCT natives without an agreed position. That created different interpretations of our demands and confused the general public,” David said.
He noted that AOIYEO consequently established the FCT Youth Network to mentor younger indigenous leaders and prepare them for future responsibilities in public service.
“We created this platform to train the younger generation, preparing them for leadership and good governance so that when they eventually find themselves in government, they will already possess the knowledge, discipline and capacity required to serve the people effectively,” he said.
David argued that many governance challenges, including corruption, could be traced to inadequate leadership development at the grassroots.
He said the youth network provides an opportunity to identify, mentor and assess young leaders long before they assume positions of authority.
“If you examine the system, you will discover that corruption often results from the failure to prepare people adequately before they assume leadership positions. The Youth Network enables us to nurture future leaders and evaluate them ahead of greater responsibilities,” he added.
Highlighting the achievements of the network, David said it has helped eliminate unnecessary protests and promoted more responsible methods of civic engagement.
He recalled that before the establishment of the platform, demonstrations and road blockades were common across the FCT, but noted that indigenous youths now understand how to pursue their demands without disrupting public order.
“Today, it is no longer business as usual. The FCT Youth Network operates in line with global best practices. Our youths now know how to agitate for their rights without violating the rights of other citizens,” he said.
On security, David said the network has become an important partner in maintaining peace in the nation’s capital by creating identifiable youth leadership structures that facilitate collaboration with security agencies.
According to him, the arrangement has made it easier for the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to identify youth leaders and ensure accountability during public engagements.
“The Federal Capital Territory is the seat of government and home to Nigerians from every part of the country as well as members of the international community. We cannot afford any security breach. We have a responsibility to organise ourselves in a way that earns public confidence, respect and support,” he said.
David also stressed the importance of responsible public communication, warning youths against making allegations against public officials without evidence.
He maintained that while democratic societies encourage criticism of government, such criticism must be based on verifiable facts and presented responsibly.
“A time will come when today’s youths will also serve in government. When that happens, they too will be criticised. That is why we encourage criticism based on facts and evidence, not speculation or unfounded allegations,” he said.
He further urged indigenous youths to remain united and support the few FCT indigenes occupying public offices, saying internal divisions had previously undermined their collective aspirations.
“We have only a handful of leaders in positions of authority. We must support and protect them because when we continually undermine our own leaders, we weaken our collective struggle. The experience of the 2023 elections should serve as a lesson for all of us,” he said.
David expressed optimism that greater collaboration between government and the FCT Youth Network would further strengthen youth participation in governance, preserve public order and advance the interests of the Original Inhabitants.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Committee of the FCT Youth Network has fixed Saturday, August 1, 2026, for elections into the organisation’s leadership positions.
A notice signed by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Barr. D. M. Adayilo (FICMC, MCIArb), said the exercise would be conducted in accordance with the network’s bye-laws.
The positions to be contested include FCT Youth Leader, FCT Youth Secretary General, Area Council Representatives, FCT Youth Resident Secretary and FCT Youth Resident Ambassador.
The elections are scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m., while the venue will be announced by the Electoral Committee. Eligible Original Inhabitants of the FCT have been encouraged to participate in the exercise as part of efforts to strengthen democratic leadership within the organisation.