The Young Youth Network for Good Leadership in Nigeria (YYNGLIN) has called for greater inclusion of young people in decision-making processes at local, national, and global levels.
Amb. Collins Agumagu, President of YYNGLIN, made the call in a statement on Wednesday to mark the 2026 United Nations International Youth Day, with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Agumagu said the theme highlighted the different environments in which young people grow, while underscoring their shared aspirations for dignity, human rights, quality education, decent jobs, health, wellbeing, climate action and participation in decision-making.
He said Nigerian youths must actively participate in the 2027 general elections, noting that with more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population below 30 years, young voters would play a decisive role in shaping the elections.
The YYNGLIN president urged young people to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy skills to enable them to make informed choices, hold leaders accountable and contribute meaningfully to democratic processes.
Also Read: http://FCCPC Warns Bakeries Against Cutting Corners on Food Safety
He encouraged youths to move from the margins to the centre of political participation by engaging in voter education, election monitoring, civic activities and contesting elective positions.
Agumagu commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration for initiatives including the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, saying such interventions could strengthen economic empowerment, education and digital inclusion among young Nigerians.
He, however, called on the government to expand opportunities for youth participation in politics, election observation and elective offices, while urging political actors to work towards peaceful elections and issue-based campaigns in 2027.
He said International Youth Day provided an opportunity to recognise the creativity, dynamism and leadership potential of young people and called for sustained investment in youths as partners in nation-building.
