ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) through her youth-led social movement arm called Activista Nigeria has held the first “Democracy Convening 2024” in Abuja, yesterday.
A 2-day event aimed at leveraging the youth alliance in addressing barriers to civic participation, especially among youth and women, and strive to create a political climate where every voice is heard and valued.
Andrew Mamedu, AAN Country Director, while addressing the youth participants drawn from across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria as well as guest speakers and dignitaries, at the event, said the gathering holds immense potential to reimagine and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic landscape at a critical moment.
He noted that Democracy Convening 2024, being the first of its kind, provides a timely intervention, given Nigeria’s record-low voter turnout of just 29% in the 2023 general elections and an ongoing struggle to achieve robust political representation and transparency.
According to him, Nigeria currently ranks 123rd out of 167 in the 2023 Global Democracy Index, reflecting persistent challenges to democratic freedoms, civic engagement, and accountability.
“It is inspiring to witness the resilience, courage, and determination of young leaders stepping up to shape a new future”
“Through the combined efforts of this alliance, we can work to address barriers to civic participation, especially among youth and women, and strive to create a political climate where every voice is heard and valued.” Mamedu opined.
Speaking at the event, Honorable Olamijuwon Alao Akala, a House of Member, who doubles as the current Chairman House Committee on Youth’s Parliament commended the remarkable collaborative efforts of Activista Nigeria through the support of AAN, in partnership with other International Development partners such as Plan International, Oxfam Nigeria, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the Swedish Embassy, the German Embassy amongst others in creating such a unique platform for young people in Nigeria.
In his words, “Young people are the productive force of any nation and as such they must be given the top priority in the scheme of things.”
“This is one of the reasons why I have taken it upon myself to prioritize the issues affecting young persons in Nigeria as part of my parliamentary roles”
“As a Nation, we must ensure that the critical tools needed for young people thrive both within the political and economic space are made available to them”, Also Akala stressed.
Akala, also urged the youth participants at event to embrace collaboration in their pursuit of collective goals toward a just and equitable nation.
He noted that this effective collaboration and alliance hold the key to achieving unity of purpose in shaping a better future and better nation.