Ever since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, there has been a gradual increase in civic deserts. There are few opportunities for the average Nigerian to meet, discuss issues, or address problems affecting the nation in a way that promotes unity and encourages the proffering of tangible solutions. Instead, what we often see are pop-ups at road-side newspaper stands and social places with no notable outcomes.
The decline in spaces for civic participation has further deepened the divide between the ‘ruling class’ and the citizenry, especially young people. The National Development Plan (2021-2025) confirms that the lack of youth participation has increased the social exclusion of young people in local democracy, and a deliberate effort to address this issue will unlock socio-economic growth for Nigeria.
In line with one of our focus areas, civic participation, and our efforts to provide opportunities for young people to interact with decision-makers in their communities, states, and the nation on issues that are important to youth, we are thrilled to have recently launched the “Elevating Youth Voices, Building Trust, and Civic Cohesion” project, also known as the Civic Leadership Programme (CLiP).
With support from the Nigerian Youth Future Funds and Leap Africa, NGYouthSDGs aims to enhance youth participation in local democracy, strengthen civic education, and foster trust between young citizens and their elected officials in Enugu East Senatorial District, Enugu State, Nigeria.
The project encompasses training young civic champions, promoting civic literacy, organising engagement forums, and documenting impacts for future reference.
We are delighted to introduce five young Nigerians from Enugu who will serve as Civic Champions.
These individuals will be equipped with the skills to lead and implement the project’s initiatives across local governments in Enugu State. They will work closely with youths, community leaders, and elected officials to inspire and mobilise youth for active democratic participation, foster dialogue and collaboration between young citizens and local stakeholders, and facilitate community forums and advocacy initiatives to strengthen civic engagement.
The project encompasses training young civic champions, promoting civic literacy, organising engagement forums, and documenting impacts for future reference.
Meet the Civic Champions:
Victoria Imaji
Victoria is an emerging youth leader who focuses on educating and engaging citizens, especially young people, about the importance of sustainability and climate action. She goes beyond grassroots activism and collaborates with local government bodies, NGOs, and international organisations to support and expand initiatives for the SDGs.
Edibo Gabriel Onucheojo
Gabriel, a visually impaired but not vision-impaired final-year law student, embodies resilience and determination. As Speaker of the Law Student Association House of Assembly, University of Nigeria, he effectively led his peers, organising the maiden edition of parliamentary debates for first-year students, which earned him an award for outstanding performance.
Despite his visual impairment, he has consistently demonstrated his abilities and passion for youth empowerment and democratic participation. Edibo is driven to inspire a new generation of change-makers who will shape a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria.
Ezeja Charity
Victoria is an emerging youth leader who focuses on educating and engaging citizens, especially young people, about the importance of sustainability and climate action. She goes beyond grassroots activism and collaborates with local government bodies, NGOs, and international organisations to support and expand initiatives for the SDGs.
Okeke Paschal C.
Paschal is a result-oriented individual. He is currently the Founder and Director of AfriLED, an undergraduate youth self-discovery, leadership capacity building and entrepreneurship incubation organisation based in Enugu Nigeria.
As an impact-driven entrepreneur, he has contributed to youth-focused conferences aimed at nurturing and empowering young people.
Caroline Nimbyen Musa
Caroline Musa is a dedicated young leader who has made significant contributions to the community by implementing projects and programs that promote participation in governance and the electoral process. These initiatives include the Governance and Politics Summit and awareness campaigns for PVC registration and collection, among others. Her passion for participation in politics and governance is driven by her interest in addressing issues related to the health and well-being of women and promoting inclusion.
Through the Civic Leadership Programme (CLiP), we aim to enhance youth participation in local democracy by ensuring that the voices of young people are included in key decision-making processes within their communities. The CLiP will establish a platform to foster trust between young people and their elected lawmakers, ultimately contributing to a better present and a sustainable democratic future.
