Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Independent National Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to youth inclusion in Nigeria’s democratic process, as stakeholders gathered in Abuja to promote participation in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
The civic engagement programme, held at Merit House in Maitama, Abuja, was initiated by a National Youth Service Corps member, Magaji Ndagi, as part of his Community Development Service project.
The event brought together senior INEC officials, representatives of the National Youth Service Corps, government stakeholders, corps members, and students from across the Federal Capital Territory.
Declaring the programme open, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, commended the initiative, describing it as a strong example of youth-led efforts to drive national development.
He noted that a credible voters’ register remains the backbone of free and fair elections, revealing that over 3.7 million Nigerians have registered in the ongoing exercise as of April 2026 — with youths making up more than 68 percent.
Haruna stressed that engaging young people is critical, given their dominance in Nigeria’s population, adding that democracy can only thrive when they are actively involved.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the NYSC, O. O. Nafiu, represented at the event, urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the registration exercise and participate fully in elections.
He emphasised that voting remains a powerful tool for shaping the nation’s future.
In his remarks, Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, Obinna Ebirim, described the initiative as timely, urging youths to move beyond online activism and engage in the electoral process.
INEC also reiterated its commitment to inclusive participation, with the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, noting that many young Nigerians remain unregistered — a trend she warned could weaken the country’s democracy.
Earlier, the convener of the programme, Magaji Ndagi, called on youths to take ownership of their future by actively participating in the democratic process, stressing that voter registration is not just a civic duty but a pathway to having a voice in governance.
The event featured the unveiling of a magazine to boost voter awareness, alongside lectures and interactive sessions aimed at educating participants on the registration process and the importance of active citizenship.