The National Youth Alliance (NYA) on Monday held its official Inauguration Ceremony at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan (UI), where 137 Local Government Coordinators from across the South-West geopolitical zone were formally inaugurated in a colourful and well-attended event.
The ceremony, which drew youths, civil society actors and political stakeholders, marked a significant milestone in NYA’s drive to strengthen youth participation in governance, grassroots mobilisation and national development.
Speakers at the event used the occasion to educate, enlighten and encourage young Nigerians on the importance of active civic engagement, responsible leadership and strategic involvement in the nation’s democratic process, particularly as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.
Delivering a keynote address, veteran diplomat and former Nigeria Ambassador to Philippines, Ambassador (Dr.) Yemi Farounbi, emphasized that Nigeria’s future rests largely on the shoulders of its youthful population.
He urged the newly inaugurated coordinators to see their roles beyond titles, describing them as “agents of change” with a responsibility to mobilise, educate and inspire young people at the grassroots.
“You must educate the youths on electoral processes, policy literacy, ethical leadership and you must create strong and visionary youths who can stand on their feet to achieve the new Nigeria.”
He also charged the National Youth President, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abass to brace up in the new task of leading the youths to organize the Youths that have power to take up the lead. ” Nigeria needs transparency and accountability to change the narrative, hence, there is the need for you as the president of the youths to organize a formidable youths for this purpose.
“NYA must move to digital education, they must move from advocacy to electoral participation, from protesting youths to active participation, and also move the youths from followership to leadership.
According to him, meaningful national development can only be achieved when youths move from political apathy to informed participation.
In his remarks, the National Youth President of NYA, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abass, described the inauguration as a bold step toward building a disciplined, visionary and united youth movement.
He noted that the alliance is committed to promoting issue-based politics, national unity and leadership development among young people across the country.
Abass charged the coordinators to uphold the values of integrity, service and inclusiveness as they represent the organisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Chief Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, also addressed the gathering, calling on youths to take ownership of Nigeria’s political space.
He stressed that young people must not only participate as voters but also as policymakers, organizers and candidates. According to him, sustained engagement, accountability and unity among youths are critical to reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
The convener of The Rebirth Group, Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, highlighted the need for moral rebirth and value-driven leadership among Nigerian youths. He encouraged the coordinators to lead by example in their communities, promoting peace, dialogue and national cohesion while resisting divisive politics.
Similarly, the National Secretary of the Patriots Movement, Revd. Raymond Ominipius, spoke on the ethical responsibilities of youths in politics and governance.
He urged them to embrace patriotism, discipline and service to the nation, noting that the success of democracy depends largely on the character and commitment of its participants.
Other speakers at the event who included the National Nice President, NYA, Hon Meshack Onyeche, Chief Mrs Bolajoko Doherty (MFR) and others echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of political education, youth empowerment and strategic organisation at the grassroots level.
They encouraged the newly inaugurated coordinators to work collaboratively with stakeholders, build strong local structures and continuously engage young people on issues of governance, national development and electoral participation.
The event featured the formal administration of oaths and group photographs, symbolizing the official commencement of duties for the 137 coordinators.
Attendees described the ceremony as inspiring and timely, given the growing call for greater youth involvement in Nigeria’s political and developmental processes.
With the inauguration concluded, the National Youth Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a new generation of informed, proactive and responsible youth leaders poised to play a decisive role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Dignitaries in attendance included, Princess Kemi Ibronke, Director KEMA Production, Elder Olaolu Abogunloko, Assistant General Secretary, The Rebirth Group, Princess Folusho Oyenuga, Co-Convener The Rebirth Group Elder Gbadebo Akinlolu and others
