Abuja: The Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD) has encouraged Nigerian youths to advocate for stronger institutions, accountability, and effective policies to address the challenges impeding the nation’s progress. Mr. Folahan Johnson, Executive Director of CISD, made this appeal during the third edition of the Civic Talks dialogue programme, held in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the dialogue centred around the theme ‘From Fear to Safety: Rethinking Security and Civic Responsibility in Nigeria’. Johnson emphasized the significance of Nigeria’s youthful demographic, with over 60% of the population under 35 years of age, necessitating their involvement in national dialogues and policy-making processes.
He elaborated that each generation inherits geography, institutions, and psychology, which collectively influence governance and societal development. He urged young Nigerians to focus on institutional structures rather than solely on political figures, citing historical influences such as colonial rule and military dictatorship as pivotal in shaping the current leadership landscape.
Johnson highlighted the potential arising from Nigeria’s youthful population, particularly in technology and agritech start-ups, noting that fintech companies in Nigeria secured over 500 million dollars in 2024, reflecting the innovative potential of young Nigerians.
He identified national security, regional integration, infrastructure, and economic interdependence as critical areas for youth engagement in discussions about Nigeria’s future. Johnson called on young Nigerians to recognize their role in fortifying institutions to ensure a better nation for subsequent generations, stating, “The country we inherit doesn’t have to be the country that we leave behind.”
The Civic Talks initiative aims to unite government representatives, citizens, and policy experts to deliberate on pressing national issues. Ayokunnu Ojeniyi, Managing Director of Reverso, in his keynote address, stressed the role of culture in shaping societal values and leadership perceptions, noting that certain entrenched practices need reevaluation to serve the public interest better.
Ojeniyi advocated for education as a tool for transforming social attitudes and encouraged the adoption of beneficial practices from other cultures while preserving valuable local traditions. He also called for increased focus on human rights, civic values, and gender inclusion, emphasizing the importance of integrating women’s perspectives in governance.
Participants at the event pointed out issues such as poor policy implementation, corruption, inadequate legal frameworks, and deficiencies in educational institutions as hurdles to Nigeria’s development. They urged all stakeholders, including youths, the government, and the private sector, to commit to accountability as a means to ensure institutional effectiveness and contribute to national progress.