The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Olorunda Local Branch, has called for greater youth participation in political decision-making, urging young people to move beyond the sidelines and actively shape policies affecting their future.
The demand was made by the branch coordinator, Comrade Sodiq Balogun, during the 2026 International Youth Day (IYD) celebration organised by the council yesterday, at the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Multipurpose Hall, Olorunda LCDA Secretariat, Iworo, Lagos State.
Speaking against the backdrop of the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” Balogun said young people shared similar ambitions despite differences in their backgrounds and circumstances, stressing that their aspirations required an environment that provided access to opportunities, mentorship, meaningful work and inclusion.
He challenged young people to become active participants in the political process rather than limit their engagement to demanding representation.
“We cannot continuously demand a place at the table while remaining absent from the process through which the table is constituted,” he said.
Balogun noted that elections influenced decisions on public budgets, education, employment, security, appointments and other areas that directly affected young people’s lives.
He urged youths to scrutinise political candidates, examine their programmes, demand accountability and identify leaders who demonstrated genuine commitment to youth development.
The coordinator’s message placed political participation at the centre of the youth constituency’s responsibilities, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather attention.
Balogun said young people needed more than sympathy from policymakers, community leaders, educators and private-sector operators to achieve their aspirations.
“Our young people do not need sympathy alone. They need access, capacity, mentorship, opportunity, inclusion and an enabling environment to thrive,” he said.
He argued that investment in young people should be treated as a development priority rather than an act of charity, adding that education must be matched with opportunities for young people to apply their knowledge and skills.
The NYCN coordinator also highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in youth development, acknowledging the roles of the Olorunda LCDA administration, community leaders and other stakeholders in supporting youth-oriented initiatives.
He commended the council chairman, Hon. Peter Ajose, for what he described as increased youth inclusion and support, while appreciating the Supervisory Councillor for Youth and Sports, Hon. Oke Joshua, for helping bring opportunities closer to young people.
Balogun also acknowledged the traditional ruler of Iworo Awori Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Oladele Friday Kosoko, for his support and willingness to listen to the aspirations of young people.
The celebration featured a panel session, providing an additional platform for discussions around the challenges facing young people and the practical steps required to turn their aspirations into opportunities.
The event’s central theme highlighted the differences in access to education, resources, mentorship and economic opportunities among young people, despite their shared desire for personal advancement and meaningful participation in society.
The discussions complemented Balogun’s call for young people to take greater responsibility for shaping their future while engaging government and other stakeholders on the barriers confronting them.
In a practical demonstration of its commitment to community development, the NYCN Olorunda Local Branch donated environmental sanitation kits and pledged to participate in the Lagos State monthly environmental sanitation exercise alongside the local council government.
The commitment signals the council’s intention to extend youth participation beyond political engagement and youth empowerment discussions to practical efforts aimed at improving environmental cleanliness across Olorunda.
By joining the council government in the exercise, members of the youth body are expected to contribute to community sanitation and encourage residents to take greater responsibility for their surroundings.
The initiative also aligns with Balogun’s broader message that young people must actively contribute to community development rather than wait for others to address local challenges.
The youth coordinator stressed that the development of the youth constituency required cooperation among youth organisations, community leaders, government representatives and young people themselves.
He acknowledged the contributions of his executive committee, ward champions, committee members and youth organisations, describing the council as a collective platform rather than an individual project.
“This Council is not one man’s project. It is our collective platform, and its strength will always depend on what we build together,” he said.
He urged young people to translate their aspirations into constructive engagement, sustained participation and practical contributions to their communities.
The 2026 International Youth Day celebration brought together public officials, traditional and community leaders, youth representatives and other stakeholders to examine how young people could overcome differences in their circumstances and pursue common aspirations.
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