Celebrating Nigeria at 64 Through Elevating Youth Voices for Civic Cohesion

As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence anniversary, the spirit of national pride feels more fragile than ever. Once hailed as a beacon of hope for post-colonial Africa, Nigeria today now  stands  as a sobering example of untapped potential. The 2024 Independence Day serves not as a triumphant celebration, but as a poignant reminder of persistent political dysfunction, economic stagnation, and deepening social challenges. Yet, amid this landscape of disillusionment, we are reminded of the enduring hope, courage, and resilience that have defined our nation’s journey; qualities that continue to fuel the belief in a brighter future. This celebration offers a moment of reflection; not only on our collective history but also on the pivotal role that young people play in securing a brighter future. In Enugu East Senatorial District, our project at Network of Youth For Sustainable initiative(NGYouthSDGs)  “Elevating Youth Voices, Building Trust, and Civic Cohesion”(CLiP), is playing this crucial role by empowering youth to take center stage in local democracy, bridging generational gaps, and fostering a spirit of trust and unity.

Let’s be reminded that at  the heart of Nigeria’s independence movement were young leaders, brimming with ambition and a vision for a new Nigeria. Today, our youth face similar challenges, but with an even greater responsibility: to safeguard and strengthen the democratic foundation upon which our nation was built. Through the CLiP project, we are championing a course through which we can witness  the transformative power that young Nigerians possess when given the tools and platform to shape their communities. This initiative is more than just a civic  leadership programme, rather it is a clarion call for young people to rise, engage, and participate in local governance. It’s about building trust, mending divides, and fostering civic cohesion, ensuring that the voices of the youth resonate in the chambers of decision-making.

Enugu East Senatorial District is home to a vibrant and dynamic youth population, many of whom have been disconnected from civic processes for far too long. In this era of self-discovery and national growth, it’s essential that we bridge this gap. The CLiP project creates a space for young people to understand their civic responsibilities, engage with local leaders, and contribute meaningfully to democratic governance. Our mission aligns with Nigeria’s Independence Day ethos: a celebration of freedom, self-determination, and collective responsibility. In the same way that our forefathers fought for political independence, today’s youth must now fight to preserve and expand democratic spaces. 

Trust in governance has often been eroded due to a lack of meaningful engagement between leaders and citizens. The CLiP  project aims to rebuild that trust from the local landscape, starting with young people who are eager to be part of the solution. By training 5 civic champions and 25 volunteers, creating avenues for dialogue, and facilitating community assessments, we are fostering a new culture of civic cohesion; one where young voices are not only heard but respected. Independence is not a static achievement, it is a continuous journey of building, learning, and evolving. Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day is a celebration of our freedom, but more importantly, it is a reminder of the work that remains to be done. Through projects like CLiP , we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more united Nigeria, one where youth participation is not a privilege, but a right.

As we mark Nigeria’s Independence Day, let us not only celebrate the milestones of the past but also look ahead to a future where young Nigerians are at the helm of decision-making. By advocating for  youth involvement in local governance, we are not just building leaders for tomorrow, we are empowering them to lead today. As the green and white flags wave proudly in the skies this October, let’s remember that Nigeria’s future lies in the hands of its youth. The legacy of independence lives on in their actions, their voices, and their unyielding passion for a better tomorrow. Through the work we are doing in Enugu East Senatorial District, we are proving that when youth are empowered, democracy flourishes, and trust is restored. Together, we can build a nation where every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to its continued growth, strength, and unity. 

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! May we continue to rise as one, united in purpose and driven by the voices of our youth.

 

Written by Ruth Ngoka, NGYouthSDGs Enugu Project Manager