The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth inclusion in Nigeria’s democratic process, as a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Magaji Ndagi, spearheaded a civic engagement initiative to boost awareness of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Abuja.
The programme, held on Wednesday at Merit House, brought together senior officials of INEC, representatives of the NYSC, government stakeholders, corps members, and students from secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory.
Declaring the event open, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, praised the corps member’s initiative, describing it as a clear demonstration of youth-driven commitment to national development.
Haruna noted that a credible voters’ register remains the foundation of free and fair elections, adding that the ongoing CVR exercise is being conducted in phases in accordance with legal provisions. He revealed that over 3.7 million Nigerians had registered as of April 2026, with youths accounting for more than 68 per cent of new registrants.
He stressed the need for sustained engagement with young people, given their dominance in the country’s demographic structure, to ensure meaningful democratic participation.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General O. O. Nafiu, represented by Mrs. Anyaogu Maureen, commended the initiative and urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the CVR exercise.
“Votes do count, and exercising your civic right is taking charge of the future of this country,” he said.
In his remarks, Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Obinna Ebirim, described the programme as timely and in line with national priorities on youth inclusion. He encouraged young Nigerians to go beyond online activism by registering and participating in elections.
Secretary to INEC, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, represented by the Director of Gender and Inclusivity, Mrs. Dorothy Bello, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to inclusive electoral processes. She identified civic education, improved access to registration centres, and tackling misinformation as critical to increasing youth participation.
Earlier, the convener, Magaji Ndagi, described the initiative as a call to action for youths to take ownership of their future through active involvement in the democratic process.
He emphasised that voter registration is not merely a procedural requirement but a means of amplifying citizens’ voices in governance.
The event featured lectures by senior INEC officials, interactive sessions, and the unveiling of a magazine designed to further promote voter awareness and deepen youth engagement in electoral activities.