Empowering Youth and Women: Plateau State EPLF Fellows Drive Political Engagement

A Civic Engagement Activity by Ruth Sunday Ki and Amina Miango

The future we desire is not a place we go, but a path we create with every step, guided by the vision of a better world. With this in mind, Plateau State EPLF Fellows, Ruth Sunday Ki and Amina Miango, led a thought-provoking Civic Engagement Activity.

In line with the Fellowship’s commitment to Civic Engagement, and with the generous support of the LEAP Africa and  Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, Plateau State EPLF Fellows organized a Youth Roundtable Discussion on September 16, 2023. This event aimed to stimulate a profound and engaging conversation on “The Future We Desire: Youth and Women’s Participation in the Political Process and Governance.”

A total of forty-seven individuals attended this enlightening roundtable discussion. Distinguished attendees included Ms Pyemwa Deshi, a renowned Writer and Educationist; Mr. David Daser, Founder of N-Hub and Former DG, PICTDA; and Hon. Lilian Madaki, a fervent Social Justice Advocate and Politician. The event was skillfully hosted by the EPLF Fellows, Ruth Sunday Ki and Amina Miango.

Key Outcomes:

During the four-hour discussion, the panellists engaged in a profound dialogue, shedding light on the importance of youth and women’s participation in politics and governance as a means to shape our desired future. Notably, the discussion delved into the issue of the underrepresentation of women in political offices, citing the 2023 General Elections as an illustrative example. The prevailing challenges of “Voter bias” and “Party bias” were discussed, highlighting the need for intentional efforts to break these barriers, enabling women and youth to ascend the political ladder and foster greater participation. The Plateau Youth Roundtable Discussion received resounding acclaim from its forty-seven young participants, three panellists, and one keynote speaker, demonstrating the positive impact of this initiative. 

Next Steps

Going forward, as EPLF Fellows, we will be committed to hosting similar community engagements, both online and offline, to further engage young people in political processes and governance. The monthly recurrence of the Plateau Youth Roundtable Discussion will contribute to nurturing a culture of accountability in the region. Through such concerted efforts, Plateau State EPLF Fellows aspire to shape a future where the voices of youth and women resound prominently in the political landscape, creating a more inclusive and representative society for all.