The imperative of youth participation in governance reform came into sharp focus on Thursday, as young leaders, civil society, and development partners converged in Akure for the South-West Zonal Youth Consultation on Strengthening Youth Participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Process in Nigeria.
The forum, designed to co-create Nigeria’s Fourth National Action Plan (NAP IV), offered a rare platform for young Nigerians to influence the nation’s governance priorities.
The consultation opened with reflections on the central role of young people in governance reform. Facilitators underscored that youth voices are no longer optional in Nigeria’s democratic process but critical to shaping sustainable policy directions.
Sessions were devoted to unpacking the OGP framework, its core commitments, and Nigeria’s upcoming NAP IV, providing participants with both technical insight and practical pathways for engagement.
Through a blend of presentations, group discussions, and visioning exercises, participants collectively envisioned “the Nigeria we want”—a nation that is open, transparent, and accountable to its citizens. Central to this vision was the recognition of young Nigerians as innovators, watchdogs, and partners in governance rather than passive observers.
The dialogue highlighted how the open government model, anchored on accountability, transparency, and inclusivity, could transform public institutions. Participants emphasized that youth engagement must go beyond token representation, advancing instead toward institutionalized participation in decision-making processes at local, state, and national levels.
The consultation featured contributions from respected voices in governance and civic engagement, Daisi Omokungbe, Founder and Executive Director of Promad Foundation; Uchenna Arisukwu, Civil Society Adviser, OGP Nigeria; Abdulkareem Tijani, Executive Director of SEDEC; Maimuna Sani, Community and Youth Engagement Coordinator, Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF)
Others are Richard Chidiebere, Grants and MERL Officer; and Joseph C. Akujuobi, Communications Associate, Promad Foundation.
Their presentations, described as both enlightening and practical, emphasized that governance reform cannot be achieved without intentional youth participation and collaboration across institutions.
Organizers noted that the outcomes of the consultation including youth, generated ideas, commitments, and action points, will contribute directly to shaping Nigeria’s NAP IV, reinforcing young people’s place at the heart of the nation’s open government agenda.
The consultation closed on a powerful note: that young Nigerians are not merely leaders of tomorrow, but change-makers of today. The energy, creativity, and urgency displayed throughout the sessions reaffirmed that the youth constituency is committed to building a governance system that is inclusive, accountable, and people-centered.
