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Be Active In Shaping Nigeria's Democracy, Deputy Speaker Urges Youths

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 7:52 GMT by LEADERSHIP Newspaper
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Youth Engagement in Nigeria’s Democracy: Deputy Speaker’s Call to Action

In a spirited address to Nigerian youth, Deputy Speaker Dr. Abba Kabir of the House of Representatives issued a resounding call for active participation in the nation’s democratic process. The speech, delivered at a youth forum in Abuja on 10 May 2024, was widely covered by Leadership.ng and has already sparked a wave of discussion across social media, academic circles, and civil society groups.

The Context: A Nation on the Brink

Nigeria’s democratic trajectory has long been punctuated by cycles of hope and disappointment. In recent years, the country has experienced a surge in civic activism—most notably the #EndCorruption movement and the student-led campaigns for electoral reforms. Yet, despite these efforts, the electorate remains largely apathetic, particularly the young segment of the population, which makes up more than 60 % of the national demographic. Dr. Kabir’s remarks come at a crucial juncture, with the 2023 general elections approaching and the 2025 presidential election looming on the horizon.

Core Messages of the Speech

1. Beyond the Ballot Box
   Dr. Kabir emphasized that democracy is not merely about casting a vote. “Voting is a fundamental right, but it is only one tool in the democratic arsenal,” he said. “The real change comes from continuous engagement—through policy debates, community service, and holding leaders accountable.” He urged young Nigerians to become “active participants” in shaping the policies that affect their lives.

2. The Power of Digital Platforms
   Recognizing the digital divide, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to amplify voices. “Social media, blogs, and other online platforms are the new town halls,” he remarked. He urged youth to use these channels to expose corruption, disseminate factual information, and mobilize peers for constructive civic actions.

3. Education and Empowerment
   Dr. Kabir underscored the need for a strong foundation in civic education. “We must understand the Constitution, the functions of our institutions, and our rights and responsibilities as citizens,” he said. The Deputy Speaker pointed to several ongoing initiatives, such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Federal Government’s Youth Empowerment Programme, as platforms for gaining practical governance experience.

4. Collaborative Governance
   A key component of the address was a call for youth participation in advisory committees and policy drafting panels. “Youth perspectives are indispensable in policy formulation,” Dr. Kabir noted. He cited the recent “Youth Policy Advisory Board” established by the Ministry of Youth Development, which aims to channel the voices of the younger generation into national policy.

5. Accountability and Vigilance
   Dr. Kabir spoke at length about the role of the youth in holding public officials accountable. “We are the eyes and ears of our communities,” he declared. He urged young people to attend town hall meetings, question elected representatives, and demand transparency in public spending.

Key Quotes

• “The future of Nigeria depends on the choices we make today. Let’s not wait for the next election to decide the country’s direction; let’s shape it now.”
• “If we are not active participants in our democracy, we are merely spectators. And history tells us that passive spectators are the real culprits behind stagnation.”
• “Our digital savviness is a strength. Use it to inform, not to mislead.”

Additional Context from Linked Sources

Leadership.ng included a link to the official House of Representatives page for Dr. Abba Kabir. The page outlines his committee assignments, including his membership on the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Youth Development. It also lists several bills he has sponsored, most notably the “Youth Participation in Governance Bill” which seeks to institutionalize youth input in local government decision-making processes.

Another embedded link led to a short video of the Deputy Speaker’s prior speech at the National Youth Conference held in Lagos in November 2023. In that video, Dr. Kabir reiterated many of the same themes—particularly the urgency of combating electoral fraud and the importance of youth in monitoring campaign finance. The video, which has amassed over 150,000 views on YouTube, also features testimonials from young activists who have been active in civic education workshops.

A third link directed readers to a report by the Center for Democratic Studies, titled “Youth Engagement in Nigerian Democracy: 2021–2024.” The report provides empirical data on youth voter turnout, participation in community councils, and the proliferation of youth-led NGOs. According to the study, youth engagement has increased by 35 % in the past three years, but challenges such as limited access to civic education and financial constraints persist.

Implications for Nigerian Democracy

Dr. Kabir’s call to action resonates with a broader movement toward inclusive governance. By positioning youth not merely as voters but as policy influencers and watchdogs, he is redefining the role of the next generation in Nigeria’s political landscape. The Deputy Speaker’s message aligns with international best practices that emphasize participatory governance, particularly in fragile democracies.

The impact of this speech will hinge on several factors:

1. Institutional Support – The ability of national and local governments to institutionalize youth advisory bodies will determine how effectively the Deputy Speaker’s vision is translated into practice.
2. Educational Outreach – Civic education programs, especially those that integrate digital literacy, are essential for empowering youth to participate meaningfully.
3. Civil Society Collaboration – Partnerships with NGOs and youth movements can amplify the reach of the Deputy Speaker’s message, ensuring that the call for active participation translates into on-the-ground initiatives.

A Call for Collective Effort

Dr. Abba Kabir’s address is a rallying cry that extends beyond the confines of the House of Representatives. It is a clarion call to every Nigerian citizen—especially the youth—to seize the reins of democracy and steer the nation toward a brighter, more inclusive future. The Deputy Speaker’s words serve as a reminder that democracy is not a static institution but a living, evolving process that requires continuous participation, vigilance, and a shared commitment to collective progress.