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2026-08-21 07:37 UTC → 2026-08-31 09:48 UTC ·
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During the 2026 International Youth Day observances in Nigeria, stakeholders addressed youth empowerment, security, and political participation under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” The Nigeria Police Force announced a program from August 20 to 22 is advancing initiatives to strengthen partnerships with young citizens, focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, and combating digital misinformation and political thuggery. Efforts to bolster national stability have expanded and youth engagement through policy development and grassroots mobilization. The government, via the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, has launched a technical workshop to include develop a new National Peace Policy. Concurrently, This framework seeks to transition the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria) country toward proactive conflict prevention and improved institutional coordination. In parallel, International Alert Nigeria has called for increased investment in on the youth leadership to foster sustainable peace. In Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya approved a Youth Policy population to integrate young people into governance through education take active roles in peacebuilding, democratic processes, and digital literacy. Political engagement discussions have highlighted significant barriers. Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido argued climate action, noting that high election and campaign costs render the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act largely theoretical, suggesting current government interventions may be inadequate for the electoral system requires subsidies. In demographic scale. Efforts to bolster political participation continue, with Niger State, State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello called advocating for 40 per cent female engagement of women in political appointments to combat gender inequality, while the National Orientation Agency emphasized civic education appointments. Legislator Shina Peller has also encouraged youth to combat vote buying challenge stereotypes regarding age and misinformation ahead of the 2027 elections. leadership. At the state level, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji is promoting entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and grassroots levels, new initiatives are emerging. agriculture through a dedicated Ministry. In Anambra State, a Youth Reformation Agenda is being promoted implemented to reduce political violence and drug abuse. Additionally, abuse by training youth in skills like farm machine fabrication. As the 2027 general elections approach, the National Orientation Agency is emphasizing civic education to combat vote buying and misinformation. Concurrently, the organization Youths on Ground (YOG) announced plans aims to mobilize 10 million youths for the 2027 general elections, aiming youths, with plans to empower 600,000 through capacity-building programs like such as smart farming training. farming. Experts suggest that meaningful participation will require a combination of good governance and active civic monitoring.