On African Youth Day 2024, the Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD)-The Electoral Hub highlighted the immense contributions of Africa’s youth, especially in Nigeria, while calling for increased youth representation and systemic reforms.
Established by the African Union in 2006, African Youth Day is celebrated annually on November 1st as a reminder of the critical role young people play in shaping Africa’s future.
Princess Hamman-Obels, Director of IRIAD – The Electoral Hub, emphasized the significance of the continent’s youth demographic, noting that over 420 million individuals aged 15-35 represent approximately 35% of Africa’s population. “Our youth are not just our future but are also pivotal to our present,” Hamman-Obels stated. “African Youth Day reminds us to support youth engagement, leadership, and development across the continent.”
Despite their significant numbers, young Nigerians face barriers to political participation and representation. With youth making up 39.65% of the registered voters in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, Hamman-Obels pointed to a critical representation gap, as evidenced in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election. Only two candidates under 35 years old are running for governor and deputy, mirroring the recent Edo State election, where there was only one youth candidate.
She expressed concern about the challenges Nigerian youth encounter, particularly high unemployment and poor educational infrastructure.
She also condemned recent incidents of minors being detained during peaceful protests, adding that the arraignment of 32 underage protesters following #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in Abuja underscores the urgent need for justice reform.
“The detention of minors exercising their right to protest highlights systemic issues within our justice and police systems,” said Hamman-Obels. “Such actions criminalize youth activism and disregard protections under Nigeria’s Constitution and Child Rights Act.”
She also pointed out a troubling trend of intimidation, harassment, and detention faced by youth activists. This, she argued, creates fear and distrust between young citizens and law enforcement, further alienating them from democratic engagement. She propose reforms to better protect young people’s rights within the justice system.
To address these challenges, IRIAD has launched capacity-building programs to empower youth in civic engagement and advocacy. Accessible educational tools, including infographics and cartoons, have been created to make political processes more understandable and encourage youth participation.
In marking African Youth Day 2024, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub call on stakeholders to support policies that foster youth inclusion, reform justice and law enforcement practices, and incorporate youth perspectives into decision-making. “Our youth deserve a seat at the table,” Hamman-Obels stressed. “We must commit to creating platforms where young people can contribute meaningfully to policy development and have a voice in Nigeria’s democratic processes.”
IRIAD-The Electoral Hub expressed its dedication to continuing their advocacy, hoping this year’s commemoration will inspire transformative change across Nigeria and Africa.
