By: Harriet C. Ijeomah
Youth participation in governance remains a critical tool for fostering community development in Nigeria. To address this, the Catch Them Young Community Initiative, a non-governmental organization, conducted a one-day Physical Action Simulation Workshop in Owerri, Imo State, on January 30, 2025. The event trained over 50 youth leaders from various geopolitical zones and organizations across the state, equipping them with actionable advocacy skills to drive leadership and development in their communities.
The workshop forms part of the Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP Naija), a youth-led electoral reform consortium that engages with thousands of young people across Nigeria. With the support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), YERP Naija works in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), advocating for electoral reforms that reflect the priorities of Nigeria’s youth.
Recent data from YERP Naija indicates that 65% of Nigerian youth between the ages of 18-35 are disengaged from governance, citing a lack of access to advocacy tools and opportunities.
This initiative is further supported by KIMPACT Development Initiatives through funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The Community Action Stimulation Plan, central to the workshop, provided participants with practical skills to engage stakeholders and push for legislative and policy reforms.
According to Catch Them Young’s Program Manager, Israel Orji, the workshop focused on examining existing laws and identifying gaps, highlighting that 70% of young Nigerians are unaware of critical policies meant to benefit them.
“The advocacy tools and skills learned here will enable participants to effectively engage decision-makers and improve governance within their zones,” Orji explained. He emphasized the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the program, noting that this approach aims to ensure that marginalized groups are equally equipped to advocate for change.
MaryJoy Chidinma Amachukwu, Deputy Coordinator of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Imo State Chapter, shared her experience, describing how the program provided her with structured advocacy techniques. She pointed out that only 20% of women in her region are actively involved in leadership roles, urging women to take such opportunities seriously.
The workshop also featured group activities and presentations, which allowed participants to simulate real-world advocacy efforts. By the end of the session, 95% of attendees reported an improved understanding of advocacy strategies, signaling the program’s success in preparing young people to lead change.
With youth constituting over 60% of Nigeria’s population, initiatives like YERP Naija are vital for bridging the gap between the nation’s young demographic and their role in governance. By empowering these leaders with knowledge and tools, the program aims to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, one community at a time.
