37 Citizens Empowered as Chukwudi Utazi Champions Civic Engagement

In Fulfillment of the Requirement of the Fellowship Pillar on Civic Engagement, on Saturday, 30th August 2025, Chukwudi Utazi, a 2025 EPLF Fellow, implemented a civic engagement activity titled “Onye Kpọọ Ọba Ya Nkpọkọrọ: The Dangers of Political Apathy.” The initiative convened 37 participants drawn from five local communities. It was aimed at addressing the challenge of political disengagement and fostering stronger citizen participation in Nigeria’s democratic process. The session created a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collective action, emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility at the grassroots level.

Objectives of the Activity

The activity was designed with clear objectives in mind. It sought to raise awareness about the causes and consequences of political apathy in Nigeria, particularly within communities where disengagement is most visible. It also aimed to encourage civic responsibility and promote active participation in democratic processes such as voting, town hall meetings, and governance monitoring. A strong emphasis was placed on providing civic education, especially on voter rights, responsibilities, and the power of the ballot. Beyond education, the activity sought to bridge trust deficits by fostering dialogue between citizens and political stakeholders. Ultimately, it aimed to generate practical, actionable solutions to combat political disengagement and strengthen a responsive civic culture.

Key Outcomes

The activity achieved remarkable outcomes in line with its objectives. All 37 participants gained deeper awareness of the dangers of political apathy and how it undermines governance and weakens democratic institutions. Engagement levels were high, with at least 28 participants actively contributing to discussions, sharing lived experiences, and suggesting grassroots-driven approaches to strengthen voter participation. One of the most significant outcomes was the commitment to action, 15 participants pledged to become peer advocates, each committing to sensitize at least 10 peers within their networks, thereby extending the reach to an estimated 150 additional citizens. Furthermore, the activity created opportunities for networking and collaboration, enabling young civil society actors and local influencers to connect and agree on future joint civic education drives.

Several features made the activity particularly impactful. The event drew participants from five different local communities, ensuring that the discussions reflected diverse perspectives. It also benefited from the expertise of five guest speakers, including a political analyst, civil society representatives, and a youth/women mobilizer, who provided practical insights and strategies for enhancing citizen engagement. A post-event feedback poll confirmed the effectiveness of the session, as 87 percent of participants reported leaving with a clearer understanding of their civic responsibilities and expressed greater willingness to participate actively in the upcoming electoral process.

Lessons Learnt

The civic engagement activity provided important lessons. It revealed that political apathy, especially among young people, is often driven by mistrust in political institutions, limited awareness, and insufficient voter education. However, it also became clear that when citizens are provided with the right platforms for engagement, they are willing to dialogue, learn, and contribute meaningfully to solutions. The session highlighted the urgent need for continuous civic education, trust-building initiatives, and the establishment of inclusive forums where citizens feel empowered to see their voices and actions as vital to governance.

Next Steps

Moving forward, the activity will serve as a foundation for sustained civic engagement efforts. The momentum generated will be built upon through continued dialogue in community forums, complemented by social and traditional media advocacy targeted at young people and first-time voters. Collaboration with civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and educational institutions will be prioritized to scale voter education campaigns and deepen awareness. These steps are designed to inspire greater civic responsibility, strengthen citizen trust in democratic institutions, and encourage more Nigerians to recognize the power of their voices and ballots in shaping governance.