INEC Reaffirms Youth Inclusion Drive as Corps Member Leads CVR Awareness Campaign in Abuja
Oru Leonard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has renewed its commitment to strengthening youth participation in Nigeria’s democratic process, as stakeholders gathered in Abuja for a civic engagement programme promoting the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The event, held at Merit House in Maitama, was initiated by a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Magaji Ndagi, as part of his Community Development Service (CDS) project. It attracted senior officials from INEC, representatives of the NYSC, government agencies, corps members, and secondary school students from across the Federal Capital Territory.
Declaring the programme open, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, praised the initiative, describing it as a reflection of youth-driven commitment to national development.
He emphasised that a credible voters’ register is fundamental to free and fair elections, noting that the ongoing CVR exercise is being conducted in phases in accordance with legal provisions. According to him, over 3.7 million Nigerians have registered as of April 2026, with youths accounting for more than 68 per cent.
“Young people dominate Nigeria’s demography. For democracy to deliver meaningful impact, we must continue to engage them through every reasonable channel,” he said.
Haruna also highlighted the longstanding collaboration between INEC and the NYSC, noting that corps members have played a vital role in election management since 2011.
Representing the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General O. O. Nafiu, Mrs. Anyaogu Maureen commended the convener, describing him as a model of youth dedication to nation-building. She urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the CVR exercise and actively participate in elections.
“Votes do count, and exercising your civic right is taking charge of the future of this country,” she said.
In his remarks, Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, Obinna Ebirim, described the initiative as timely and aligned with national priorities on youth inclusion. He encouraged young people to move beyond online activism and engage meaningfully in the democratic process.
“Your vote is your voice. Your registration is your right. Your participation is your power,” he stated.
Also speaking, INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, represented by Mrs. Dorothy Bello, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to inclusive electoral processes. She stressed that CVR remains a critical gateway for civic participation, particularly among young people.
She identified sustained civic education, improved access to registration centres, and tackling misinformation as key strategies to increasing youth engagement.
Earlier, the convener, Magaji Ndagi, described the initiative as a call to action for Nigerian youths to take ownership of their future through active participation in democracy.
“Continuous Voter Registration is more than obtaining a voter’s card. It is about having a voice and shaping the leadership of our country,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a magazine aimed at deepening awareness and encouraging youth involvement in electoral processes.
The programme also featured expert lectures and an interactive session to educate participants on the CVR process and the importance of active citizenship.
