Uzodimma Urges Young Nigerians to Actively Shape Democracy, Not Remain Passive

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma called on Nigerian youth to view themselves as “active participants, not mere spectators” in the nation’s democratic process, during a Democracy Day youth summit in Owerri, organized by the National Orientation Agency.

Uzodimma emphasized that Nigeria’s 26-year democracy requires youth engagement to address challenges like unemployment and electoral apathy, as reported by The Nation and Leadership Daily. The call, delivered amid celebrations honoring the 1993 election annulment, reflects efforts to galvanize Nigeria’s 60% under-30 population for nation-building.

Uzodimma, an APC chieftain, highlighted the 2023 elections’ 25% youth voter turnout, per INEC, urging greater involvement through advocacy, voting, and innovation. He cited Imo’s 2024 tech hub, training 5,000 youths in coding, as a model for federal adoption, per Imo’s Ministry of Digital Economy. The governor proposed a National Youth Policy Review, incorporating digital platforms for policy input, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 agenda, per State House. He also praised Tinubu’s 2024 student loan scheme, benefiting 1 million undergraduates, per NELFUND, as empowering youth participation.

NYC President Asiwaju Olawale praised Uzodimma’s initiative, announcing a 2025 nationwide youth voter campaign, per Vanguard. PDP’s Youth Leader Adebayo Abiodun criticized low turnout, blaming electoral distrust from 2023’s BVAS failures, and demanded INEC reforms, per Punch. Analyst Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, speaking at the summit, urged youth-led anti-corruption movements, citing ₦80 trillion in public funds mismanaged since 1999, per EFCC. The summit, aired on Arise News, aligns with Nigeria’s push for democratic renewal amid 34% inflation. Uzodimma’s call, a strategic appeal, seeks to harness youth potential to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic fabric.