On October 6, 2026, a call was made to Nigerian youths to take a more active role in the country's governance. The call was made by E. S. B. Evong, President of Inspire Nigeria, in a message to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria has one of the largest and youngest populations in the world. Evong noted that the energy, creativity, resilience, and ambition of Nigerian youths will determine the direction and destiny of the country.
Evong emphasized that governance is not the responsibility of politicians alone, but affects various aspects of citizens' lives, including education, employment, security, healthcare, infrastructure, economy, and opportunities. He urged Nigerian youths to move from being spectators to becoming informed, responsible, and active participants in the democratic process. This, he believes, can be achieved by ensuring they are properly registered to vote and making a firm commitment to vote in every future election.
Voting, according to Evong, is not a favour to any politician, but a civic right, a constitutional responsibility, and one of the most important ways citizens can shape the future of their country. As the 2027 elections approach, Evong called on Nigerian youths to lead a new culture of responsible participation. He encouraged them to encourage their parents, grandparents, relatives, friends, and neighbours to register, collect their permanent voter cards where applicable, and vote wisely.
Evong also warned against the temptation of vote buying, noting that the immediate benefit offered in exchange for a vote cannot compare with the long-term cost of poor leadership, insecurity, unemployment, bad infrastructure, weak institutions, and limited opportunities. He advised Nigerians to choose candidates based on character, competence, integrity, vision, track record, and commitment to public service, rather than wealth, ethnicity, religion, political connections, or place of origin.
The President of Inspire Nigeria urged young Nigerians to become informed voters by studying the candidates, examining their records, asking difficult questions, and rejecting misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric. He also encouraged them to participate peacefully, hold elected officials accountable, and remain engaged after the election, not only during campaigns.
According to Evong, the future belongs to the youths, but it will not be shaped by age alone. It will be shaped by the choices young people make today. Their votes, voices, ideas, and participation can help build a Nigeria that is more just, secure, prosperous, inclusive, and accountable. He called on every Nigerian to embrace peaceful democratic participation and place the national interest above personal, ethnic, religious, or immediate political gain.
Evong concluded by urging Nigerians to register, become informed, vote, and vote wisely. He also encouraged them to encourage their families and communities to do the same. By doing so, he believes that together, Nigerians can inspire a new Nigeria.
Key points
- Nigerian youths are being urged to take an active role in the country's governance by voting and participating in the democratic process.
- The call was made by E. S. B. Evong, President of Inspire Nigeria.
- Nigerians are advised to choose candidates based on character, competence, integrity, vision, track record, and commitment to public service.
