In a move to deepen grassroots democracy in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has announced a strategic partnership with the FCT Administration (FCTA) to sensitise youths ahead of the 2026 Area Council elections.
The initiative, which will target no fewer than 600 young people across the six Area Councils, is designed to equip youths with vital information on voter registration, electoral procedures, timelines, and the need for peaceful participation in the electoral process.
The plan was unveiled during the NYCN FCT Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting held at the Cinema Hall of the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Garki Area 10, Abuja.
Addressing the meeting, the Secretary-General of the NYCN FCT Chapter, Comrade Kazeem Dadanla, said the council is determined to ensure that young people are well-informed and actively involved in shaping local governance through credible and violence-free elections.
According to him, the sensitisation drive, to be carried out in collaboration with the FCTA Youth and Sports Development Secretariat, will also focus on discouraging electoral violence and promoting peaceful conduct before, during, and after the polls.
“Youths must take ownership of their civic responsibilities. Democracy thrives when young people are informed, engaged, and committed to peace,” Dadanla stated.
On his part, Organising Secretary III of the NYCN FCT Chapter, Samuel Peter, explained that the EXCO meeting was convened to map out a comprehensive youth engagement framework for 2026.
He stressed that meaningful youth development is central to nation-building, urging young people to move from the sidelines into active roles in governance and decision-making.
“There is nothing for the youth without the youth. To be taken seriously, we must be visibly involved,” Peter said.
Also contributing, Vice Chairman of the AMAC/Bwari Youth Council, Comrade Thomas Bulus Manzo, disclosed that the sensitisation programme would be rolled out two weeks before the elections to allow adequate time for outreach and effective mobilisation.
He noted that 100 youths would be selected from each Area Council, drawn from different political wards, to ensure broad representation and inclusive participation across the FCT.
The organisers expressed confidence that the initiative would foster informed voting, peaceful elections, and stronger youth involvement in local governance across the Federal Capital Territory.