Ahead of 2027 general elections, the Nigerian youths have been advised to shun violence, turture and drugs abuse in the course of campaign and elections.
Senate Chief Whip, Muhammed Tahir Monguno, the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, and Renewed Hope Agenda Continuity Marshals
National Coordinator, Osawemwenhio Uwagboe dropped the advice during the official launch of REHACMA, Thursday in Abuja.
The speakers asked the youths to engage political leaders with constructive ideas that will advance national development and good governance rather than resort to violence.
Monguno described Nigerian youths as vital stakeholders who will shape the future of the nation.
“Well, my advice to Nigerian youth is to shun violence, torture, and drug abuse in the course of electioneering and elections.
Rather, they should be enlightened and impartial youth who will engage leaders on ideas and on what they have for the people.”
The Senate Chief Whip who chaired the occasion said the 10th National Assembly and the previous Assembly, through their legislative responsibilities, have safeguarded the interests of Nigerian youths as key stakeholders in national development.
Monguno stated, ‘He The National Assembly passed that Electoral Bill in order to create a level playing field for youth to participate in governance. Again, the National Assembly passed the Student Loans Bill, the NELFUND Act, which was assented to by Mr. President.
“That was done by the National Assembly in order to prepare Nigeria Youths and Students. Because education is a backdrop, it is key for any developmental agenda, especially human capital development.
Education is very, very key. That is why the NELFUND Act was passed by the National Assembly and assented to by Mr. President in order to develop the youth and prepare them adequately for future roles and future leadership roles in society.”
The Senate Chief Whip praised REHACMA for providing a platform that enables youths to articulate their interests and collectively advance their concerns.
He stated, “Because it is a road not only for inclusivity in governance but also a veritable tool and tonic for youth inclusivity in governance.
What you are taking are the right steps in the right direction, because the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. That is how we all started.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is why one of its philosophical cornerstones is to jealously guard and protect the interests of the youth. That is why, for the first time in the annals of the history of Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Tinubu has appointed more youths into leadership position.
“Before now, when ministers were appointed to the Ministry of Youth, you would see somebody who is 70 years old or 60 years old as Minister of Youth. Now it is not the case.
It is youth who superintend over youth programmes, agencies and many institutions. It is all part of the deliberate steps taken under the Renewed Hope Agenda to mainstream youth into governance.
To mainstream youth into governance so that by the time the present leaders exit, you are well qualified and better placed to move the Nigerian story forward.”
In his goodwill message, the APC National Youth Leader encouraged Nigerian youths to actively participate in politics.
Israel noted that President Tinubu has faced criticism, attacks, and challenges but has remained steadfast, refusing to compromise on the integrity, future, development, and progress of the Nigerian people.
He stated, “And so today is not just a gathering of jolly good fellows. Today is the beginning of something great and important. The official national launch of a youth population platform supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda. It’s the launch of a movement that the youth wing of the party encourages, because we can’t do it alone.
“We need youths to get involved and we need more support groups to go out there and help us mobilize the grassroots. It is the beginning of another extension of our goal being achieved. As the youth wing, this is our priority.”
Earlier in his remarks, REHACMA
National Coordinator, Osawemwenhio Uwagboe called on Nigerian youths to take an active role in shaping the nation’s future.
He emphasized that the REHACMA provides a structured avenue for youth engagement, capacity building, and support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Uwagboe stated, “REHACMA exists for one clear reason: to sustain hope with action. We are young Nigerians from different political backgrounds who have chosen to come together because we believe Nigeria must move forward. We believe in the leadership that is working. We believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
“We understand that national progress is not achieved by wishes. It is achieved by support, organisation, communication, and courage.
REHACMA is not a random political group or campaign organisation. REHACMA is a structured national youth platform made up of credible young leaders, professionals, media personnel, grassroots mobilisers, and young public servants across several states.
“We are building a disciplined system that will mobilise support, strengthen engagement, and amplify governance outcomes in a responsible way.
And let me say something that is very important. In Nigeria today, many people talk, but few people are building. And that is why REHACMA is not only mobilising people, we are also building the capacity of young people.
“As the Latin proverb says, Nemo dat quod non habet, which means you cannot give what you don’t have. If we want better leadership tomorrow, we must build responsible leaders today. If we want a better political structure and culture tomorrow, we must practice discipline and structure now, while we are young.
“So every young Nigerian watching and listening, I want you to understand this: the future will not be built by spectators. The future will be built by those who show up, those who organise, and those who take responsibility.”
Highlights of the event included the unveiling of REHACMA National Executives, a question-and-answer session, and other activities.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
