By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, Aug. 29, 2025 (NAN) A civil society organization, Nigeria Youths Future Fund, has called on Nigerian youths to actively participate in decision-making and governance to drive the country’s rapid growth and development.
This call was made at a workshop in Lokoja, organised by the organization’s North Central zone in Lokoja, themed “Strengthening Youth Participation in Open Government Participation (OGP) Process in Nigeria.”
The Country Director of Nigeria Youths Future Fund, Dr. Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, emphasised the importance of Open Government Participation in holding government accountable and tapping into the knowledge of older generations to move the nation forward.
She noted that youths make up 60-70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, presenting an opportunity for active participation in politics and decision-making.
Dr Agbiti-Douglas stressed that collaboration is key to success and development, and that the workshop’s focus on young Nigerians would ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process.
The Executive Director of Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative, Mr Okutepa Aminu-Useni, said the workshop would inspire participants to be passionate about their society and voice out for positive change.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of the National Action Plan, an OGP document that outlines government commitments to transparency, extractive transparency, anti-corruption, and other areas benefiting citizens.
Mr Tijani Abdulkareem, Executive Director of Socio Economic Research and Development Center (SEDEC), explained that the workshop was part of a zonal initiative to engage young people in developing the National Action Plan.
Participants at the workshop demanded proper funding of education, youth employment, favorable policies for economic stability, and total implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.
Mrs Zaniab Aliyu, a participant, described the workshop as a catalyst for empowerment, advocacy for girls’ education, and rights, thanking the organizers for sensitizing youths on the importance of participation in governance.
The workshop marked a significant step towards empowering Nigerian youths to participate in governance and decision-making processes, promoting transparency and accountability in government.
By engaging young people in Open Government Participation, the organization aims to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed, ultimately contributing to the country’s growth and development.
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