From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has restated its dedication to deepening youth participation in Nigeria’s democracy, as stakeholders gathered in Abuja for a civic engagement programme promoting the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
In a press statement yesterday in Abuja by the Director of voters education, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, said the event, a Community Development Service project by serving corps member Magaji Ndagi, was held Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
It brought together INEC senior management, NYSC officials, representatives of government institutions, corps members, and secondary school students from across the Federal Capital Territory.
Declaring the programme open, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, praised the initiative as proof of youth-driven commitment to national development.
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He recalled his first meeting with the convener months earlier, when Ndagi shared his plan to mobilise young people for the CVR exercise. Stressing that a credible voters’ register remains the foundation of free and fair elections, revealing that over 3.7 million Nigerians had registered as of April 2026.
Haruna noted that, youths account for more than 68 per cent of new registrants, adding that meaningful democracy requires deliberate engagement with Nigeria’s youth-dominated demography.
Representing the NYSC Director-General, Mrs. Anyaogu Maureen, said the convener embodies the ideal Nigerian youth committed to nation-building and urged young people to take advantage of the CVR exercise.
In his remarks, Dr. Obinna Ebirim, Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, described the initiative as timely and aligned with national priorities, reminding participants that democracy flourishes only when citizens shape leadership through participation. He charged youths to move beyond online activism by registering and voting.
Speaking on behalf of INEC, it’s Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, represented by Gender and Inclusivity Director, Mrs. Dorothy Bello, reaffirmed the Commission’s push for inclusive electoral processes. warned that low youth registration poses a risk to democracy and listed sustained civic education, better access to registration centres, and tackling misinformation as key to boosting participation.
In his welcome remarks, convener Magaji Ndagi described the CVR as more than obtaining a voter’s card. He called it a chance for young people to take responsibility for the country’s direction and urged them to replace apathy with action.
The programme’s high point was the unveiling of a magazine by Ndagi to further drive awareness and youth engagement in electoral processes. The event also featured lectures by senior INEC officials and an interactive session that gave participants deeper insight into the CVR process and the importance of active citizenship.
