Wale Jagun
-As Nigerian youth in diaspora reaffirm commitment to civic engagement
The second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received an endorsement of the APC Youth Wing West Africa in Accra, Ghana, as the group reaffirmed the commitment of Nigerian youths in the diaspora to active civic participation, national development, and the continuity of progressive governance in Nigeria.
Themed, “Back Home, Still Involved”, the high -level Youth Town Meeting which held in Accrra, drew the attendance of government functionaries, party youth leaders, influencers, stakeholders, and Nigerian youths from across West African countries for deliberation on issues centred on youth mobilisation, leadership responsibility, and sustained political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Town Hall also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the growing regional structure of the APC Youth Wing West Africa, with active chapters in Togo, Benin Republic, and Côte d’Ivoire, and ongoing preparations for the launch of secretariats in Lagos (Nigeria), Accra (Ghana), and Benin Republic in the coming weeks, as part of efforts to strengthen coordination, mobilisation, and sustained youth engagement across the sub-region.
A major highlight of the Accra gathering was the unanimous declaration of support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Youth leaders and participants formally endorsed the President’s second-term bid, citing ongoing reforms, youth-focused initiatives, and the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Participants pledged to mobilise Nigerian youths across West Africa in support of the President’s vision, stressing that continuity remains essential for sustaining and completing ongoing reforms.
Hon. Gideon Olatunde Igbasan, Director-General of the APC Youth Wing West Africa, described the Town Hall Meeting as a defining moment for diaspora youth participation.
According to him, “Today’s Youth Town Hall was more than a gathering — it was a clear statement of purpose. It proved that Nigerian youths, at home and in the diaspora, remain engaged, intentional, and ready to shape the future.”
He highlighted the tangible impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda on young Nigerians, referencing initiatives such as NELFUND, TVET and SUPA, the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, DL4ALL, CREDITCORP, the National Credit Guarantee Company, Special Agro-Processing Zones, housing support through MREIF, and job creation driven by reforms in agriculture, mining, energy, and transport.
While stating that the Renewed Hope Agenda initiatives are not just slogan, Hon. Igbasan stressed that such must be protected, strengthened, and sustained through youth participation, registration, mobilisation, and the Return-to-Vote initiative.
He further reaffirmed the APC Youth Wing West Africa’s commitment to supporting youths across West Africa and beyond, with a strong focus on civic participation and preparation for the 2027 elections.
He also commended the youths in attendance, noting that their participation reaffirmed a simple truth: when youths are involved, progress becomes inevitable.
In his own remarks, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, underscored the importance of inclusive platforms that amplify youth voices and deepen their role in governance. He noted that Nigerian youths in the diaspora remain a critical force in shaping the country’s democratic future, stressing that engagement beyond national borders strengthens unity and shared responsibility.
Similarly, Hon. Muritala Ishola Seriki, APC Youth Leader, Lagos State, charged young people to move beyond political awareness to practical action, emphasising mobilisation, participation, and discipline as essential pillars for democratic growth and continuity.
Speaking on behalf of the APC Youth Wing West Africa, the Coordinator and Director of Operations and Logistics, Hon. Adewale Bolowotan, described the Town Hall event as a clear demonstration that Nigerian youths abroad remain deeply connected to the nation’s political process. He reaffirmed the Wing’s commitment to sustained youth engagement across the diaspora, noting that the Town Hall marked a strategic step toward long-term mobilisation.
Also in attendance were veteran Nollywood actor Saheed Balogun, actor and youth mobiliser Lege Miami, and APC stakeholder Alhaji Fowosere, among others who encouraged youths to remain informed, purposeful, and actively involved in nation-building.
