Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged young Nigerians to step up and protect and deepen democracy in the country.
He said they were essential to the country’s stability now and in the future.
At a time when the nation is undergoing reforms, Professor Yilwatda called on young Nigerians, especially those in the 25–55 age group, to seize control of the democratic process and stand up to politicians who are only interested in themselves and their own self-interest.
He stressed that this need is now critical because of recent actions taken by specific political groups around the nation to further their own agendas at the expense of informing the public about the goals and results of the present government’s reform program.
He made the following comment through his Special Advisor on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki: “Nigeria’s democracy is at a defining moment.” Our youth, who are full of the vitality, creativity, and patriotism needed to advance our nation, bear the brunt of the duty to protect and strengthen it.
“We must not give credence to those who mislead the people or cut short the progress that has been made because they do not provide viable options to the problems that have been faced in the past.
The party has made a watershed moment by elevating a young leader to the position of national leader, marking the first time this has happened since its inception.
“This development highlights the APC’s commitment to a more progressive agenda and its understanding of the critical role that young leaders play in understanding and navigating the realities of contemporary politics and government.”
According to the report, the APC has made history by promoting a young leader to its top administrative position. This move demonstrates the party’s faith in the abilities, ideas, and energy of the younger generation in Nigeria.
“It affirms the party’s conviction that the future of our democracy and our nation can be best ensured by involving young people as key players in formulating policies, implementing reforms, and protecting democratic principles,” the statement read.
He made the case that the APC’s youthful leadership makes it a progressive party that understands and can adapt to Nigeria’s changing demographics and can tap into the creativity, tenacity, and drive of its citizens to advance the country.
Prof. Yilwatda said that such individuals are hell-bent on becoming president of Nigeria and that putting the country’s future in their hands would be a disastrous error that might set back the country’s achievements and lead to more instability.
While he did concede that there have been some tough adjustments brought about by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms, he emphasised that these steps are essential for establishing a basis for long-term development.
He pointed out that preliminary data suggests the changes are already setting Nigeria up for long-term prosperity, budgetary security, and international competitiveness.
To emphasise the benefits of a young population, the APC Chairman said that the attributes necessary to strengthen democratic principles, increase civic engagement, and hold leadership to account—adaptability, technical savvy, and a forward-looking mindset—are brought to the table by young people.
He went on to say that the best defence against democratic regression is a politically active and aware youth population.
Yilwatda went on to say that the World Bank and other global stakeholders have praised the administration’s economic and structural reforms, which shows that they are confident in Nigeria’s future.
Energy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing are four critical areas where he has seen an uptick in investor interest as a result of these encouraging signs.
“Investment liberalisation, subsidy reforms, and changes in foreign exchange management have made Nigeria a more appealing destination for local and foreign capital,” he stated.
Restoring investor trust is a slow but steady process. The signals are clear that Nigeria is on the route to recovery and growth, he said, citing increased investments in the oil and gas sector as well as increasing interest in the country’s digital economy and infrastructure space.