Bagudu, Jega Call For Youth Inclusion In Governance

A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega and the minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, have called for greater inclusion of youth in governance and political processes.

They spoke at the 10th anniversary of the I Am Change (IAC) organisation in Abuja.

In his keynote address, Jega commended IAC for sustaining credible youth-focused programmes over the past decade.

He said the organisation demonstrates that structured mentorship and civic engagement are essential for preparing young Nigerians for leadership roles.

“It is easier to create organisations than to sustain them, especially youth-focused groups. IAC has proven that consistent civic education, mentorship and leadership training can equip young people to participate meaningfully in governance and decision-making. Youth participation is key to strengthening democratic institutions. We cannot claim a fully functioning democracy if the youth are excluded from governance structures and policy processes,” Jega said.

Bagudu highlighted the demographic and political significance of youth inclusion.

“Nigeria records over eight million births annually. This is a demographic reality that presents both an opportunity and a challenge. If we invest in youth education, skills and leadership today, we are securing the future of our democracy and economy tomorrow,” he said.

The minister urged the government, civil society, and private partners to create platforms for youth participation in policy-making and governance.

“Youth are not just beneficiaries; they are key drivers of change. Organisations like IAC demonstrate the impact of structured engagement, mentorship and empowerment,” Bagudu said.

The IAC executive director and founder, Hafsat Uman Shinkafi, said the organisation was established in 2015 to address youth exclusion, unemployment, insecurity and lack of civic awareness.

She said over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population is under 35, stressing the critical role of young people in national development.

“Over the past decade, IAC has trained hundreds of young Nigerians through our Leadership and Mentoring Academy, civic engagement programmes, and community empowerment initiatives. Our mission is to ensure youth are active participants in shaping Nigeria’s democracy, not passive observers,” Shinkafi said.

She highlighted key initiatives, including electoral awareness campaigns for the 2019 and 2023 elections, the Except With Me civic action project in partnership with LEAP Africa, and leadership and community development programmes across states.

The anniversary, themed “10 Years of Impact: Changing Lives, One Act at a Time,” drew diplomats, development partners, community leaders and beneficiaries of IAC programmes.

Shinkafi said the next decade would focus on scaling leadership training nationwide, expanding civic education in schools, and strengthening advocacy to ensure youth voices shape governance at all levels.

“Building the next generation of credible and visionary leaders is not a task for tomorrow we are training them today,” she said.