By Nkechi Eze
The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has reaffirmed the critical role of young Nigerians in strengthening democratic governance as stakeholders gathered in Abuja for a civic engagement programme designed to boost youth participation in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The programme, organised as a Community Development Service (CDS) project by a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC), Magaji Ndagi, took place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Merit House in Maitama, Abuja. The event attracted senior officials of INEC and the NYSC, representatives of government institutions, corps members, and students drawn from secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory.
Declaring the event open, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, commended the initiative, describing it as a clear demonstration of youth-driven commitment to national development and democratic participation.
Haruna recounted his first meeting with the corps member months earlier when Ndagi visited his office to present the idea of mobilising young people to participate in the CVR exercise.
“I first met the corps member a few months ago when he came to my office to share his idea on mobilising young people for participation in the CVR exercise. He struck me as a serious young man full of initiative,” he said.
He emphasised that a credible voters’ register remains the foundation for free, fair and credible elections, adding that the ongoing CVR exercise is being implemented in phases in line with existing legal provisions. According to him, more than 3.7 million Nigerians had registered as of April 2026, with youths accounting for over 68 per cent of new registrants.
“Clearly, Nigeria’s youths dominate the country’s demography. Therefore, for our democracy to have any meaningful impact, it is necessary to engage with them by every reasonable means possible,” he stated.
Haruna also highlighted the longstanding partnership between INEC and the NYSC, noting that corps members have remained central to the successful conduct of elections since 2011.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who was represented by Mrs. Anyaogu Maureen of the NYSC Secretariat in Abuja, expressed pride in the initiative, describing the convener as an example of the kind of youth leadership required for nation-building.
He urged young Nigerians, who make up the largest segment of the voting population, to take advantage of the ongoing CVR exercise by registering and participating actively in elections.
“Votes do count, and exercising your civic right is taking charge of the future of this country,” he said.
In his remarks, the Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Obinna Ebirim, who represented the Minister, described the initiative as timely and aligned with the Federal Government’s priorities on youth inclusion and civic engagement.
“Democracy does not thrive on silence. It flourishes when citizens actively participate in shaping the leadership and direction of their country,” he said.
He encouraged young Nigerians to move beyond online activism and translate their voices into tangible political participation by registering and voting in elections.
“Your vote is your voice. Your registration is your right. Your participation is your power,” he added.
Also addressing participants, the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, represented by the Director of Gender and Inclusivity, Mrs. Dorothy Bello, reiterated INEC’s commitment to promoting inclusive electoral processes. She explained that Continuous Voter Registration serves as a gateway to civic participation and provides citizens, particularly young people, with the opportunity to influence governance.
“The youth demographic plays a crucial role in the electoral process. However, many remain unregistered or disengaged. This is not just a missed opportunity but a risk to our democracy,” she said.
She identified sustained civic education, improved access to registration centres, and the fight against misinformation as key strategies required to boost youth engagement in the CVR process.
Earlier in his welcome address, the convener of the programme, Magaji Ndagi, described the initiative as a call to action for young Nigerians to take ownership of their future through active participation in the democratic process.
“Continuous Voter Registration is more than just a process of getting a voter’s card. It is about giving yourself a voice and taking responsibility for the leadership and direction of our country,” he said.
He further urged youths to move from political apathy to action, stressing that democracy is a continuous process that requires sustained engagement.
The highlight of the programme was the unveiling of a magazine by the convener, designed to further promote voter education and deepen youth engagement in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
The event also featured lectures delivered by senior officials of INEC and an interactive session that provided participants with deeper insights into the CVR process and the importance of active citizenship in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system.
