Event at Foreign Affairs Ministry to spotlight youth political participation as delegate registration closes, virtual access opens via Instagram
By DANJUMA AMODU
The Nigeria Youths in Politics organisation will hold its Democracy Day Conference and Conferment of the Nigeria Youths in Politics Hall of Fame Honor on Wednesday, June 10, at the Rotunda Hall, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
According to organisers, accreditation for the event begins at 9:00 a.m., while delegate registration has officially closed. Virtual participation and livestream will be available via the group’s official Instagram handle at https://www.instagram.com/nigeriayouthsinpolitics.
The conference, which coincides with Nigeria’s Democracy Day, is set to bring together young political actors, policymakers, civil society leaders, and government officials to assess youth engagement in governance and honour outstanding contributors to political development. The Hall of Fame conferment will recognise young Nigerians who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and impact in the political space.
“Democracy Day is not just a celebration of our political journey but a reminder that the future of governance rests with a prepared and active youth population,” an organiser said.
DEMOCRACY DAY AND YOUTH IN NIGERIAN POLITICS
Democracy Day, marked annually on June 12, commemorates the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria in 1999 and honours the June 12, 1993, presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history. The day serves as a platform to review democratic gains, challenges, and the role of citizens in strengthening institutions.
Nigerian youth, defined as persons between 18 and 35 years, make up over 60% of the country’s population and more than 70% of registered voters, according to INEC data. Despite this demographic weight, youth representation in elective and appointive offices remains low. The Not Too Young To Run Act, signed in 2018, reduced age limits for key offices and sparked increased youth candidacy in the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
Still, structural barriers including high nomination fees, godfatherism, and limited access to financing continue to limit participation. Initiatives like the Nigeria Youths in Politics Hall of Fame aim to shift that narrative by spotlighting role models, promoting mentorship, and pushing for policy reforms that expand political inclusion.
Wednesday’s conference is expected to feature panel discussions on electoral reform, youth leadership, and accountability, alongside the conferment ceremony. With delegate slots filled, organisers have urged interested members of the public to join virtually.
