As part of fulfilling the 2025 EPLF Civic Engagement Activity, Dr. Ruth Ngoka implemented a project in Nsukka community titled Youth Civic Awakening in Nsukka Community: Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Power!. On August 13, 2025, the initiative kicked off with an online voter registration sensitization campaign alongside an in-person session with Political Science undergraduates at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The following day, August 14, an online poll and survey were conducted to measure young people’s willingness to participate in the 2027 elections and to explore whether they still believed youth voices carried weight in Nigeria’s political landscape. This initiative was driven by the urgent need to confront rising civic apathy among young Nigerians, rebuild trust in electoral institutions, and restore faith in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections. Through targeted sensitization campaigns, voter education, and dialogue, the project sought to reawaken civic responsibility and inspire young people to actively shape Nigeria’s democratic future.
Why Civic Awakening for Youths?
Nigeria’s democracy stands at a critical crossroad. While young people constitute the majority of the nation’s population and its largest voting bloc, they often display the highest levels of disinterest in governance and elections. Many youths in Nsukka voiced frustrations that echoed across the country, broken promises, corruption, distrust of electoral institutions, and the lure of money politics. Yet, amidst this disillusionment, Dr. Ngoka identified an unyielding group who still believe that their voices matter, that every vote counts, and that their future depends on rejecting cynicism for action. Her project was designed to amplify this hope and equip young people with the tools to participate meaningfully.
Project Activities
The activities unfolded through a combination of online and offline engagements targeting diverse groups of young people, including students, faith-based youths, and those not in employment, education, or training (NEET). On August 13, 2025, the initiative launched with an online voter registration sensitization drive alongside a physical session for Political Science undergraduates at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This was followed on August 14 with an online poll and survey to gauge young people’s willingness to vote in 2027 and assess whether they still believed youth voices mattered in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The project then expanded its reach to faith-based communities on August 23 through a sensitization with youths at Deeper Life Bible Church, Nsukka, and continued on August 25 with a session for students in the Departments of Creative Arts and Social Work at UNN. On August 26, a critical engagement was held with NEET youths at Oguguru Road, Nsukka, stressing the importance of civic participation for those outside formal education. The activities concluded on September 1 with the publication of a widely shared social media article on Facebook and Instagram, urging young Nigerians to rise, register, and vote as a pathway to shaping the country’s future.
Key Outcomes
The project directly reached over 142 young people, 92 through offline sensitizations and more than 50 through online sessions, polls, and outreach articles. A significant outcome was that about 30% of participants committed to registering and voting in the 2027 elections, with many also pledging to actively hold their leaders accountable through dialogue and civic reporting. Beyond numbers, the project created an atmosphere of renewed awareness, shifting mindsets from cynicism toward ownership of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Voices from the Youths
The voices of young people captured through surveys and conversations revealed both frustrations and hopes. Some expressed disillusionment: “I won’t vote again. My first experience was chaotic,” said Favour, while Francis lamented, “I don’t believe in Nigeria anymore because the outcome is always the same.” Others, however, held onto optimism. Gabriel pointed out, “If our votes didn’t matter, politicians wouldn’t spend so much money bribing voters and campaigning everywhere.” Caroline affirmed, “My vote counts, even if it’s just one. Youth voices matter because we are the majority.” And Angel’s words reflected a balance of realism and hope: “Nigeria has not ended; there is still hope. I love my country; the government is the real problem.” These voices capture the paradox of Nigeria’s youth; disillusioned, yet still hopeful.
Lessons Learnt
From the field, four major lessons became clear. First, civic apathy runs deep, as many youths feel disconnected from governance and powerless to effect change. Second, distrust in electoral institutions persists, with memories of flawed elections fueling skepticism about whether votes count. Third, there are still pockets of hope, as some young people remain optimistic and determined to contribute to positive change. Lastly, money politics continues to undermine democracy, with financial inducements luring some youths away from value-driven participation.
Next Steps
Going forward, sustaining civic education is crucial. Campaigns must be embedded in schools, churches, and community platforms to normalize civic responsibility as part of everyday life. Rebuilding trust in elections requires simplifying electoral processes, showcasing credible case studies, and demystifying INEC’s reforms to counter the “votes don’t count” narrative. Building youth-led platforms and mentorship programs can strengthen ownership and optimism, while promoting value-driven participation will require rewarding engagement with knowledge, skills, and leadership opportunities rather than money. Importantly, continuous follow-up with participants will help ensure that commitments translate into real voter registration and turnout in 2027, with post-election tracking serving as a measure of impact.
Conclusion
The Youth Civic Awakening in Nsukka Community project reaffirmed one undeniable truth: Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive without the active participation of its young people. Despite widespread apathy and distrust, youths remain the most powerful force for democratic renewal. Their voices matter, their votes count, and their future depends on rejecting cynicism for action. The task ahead is to turn hope into action, action into votes, and votes into a better Nigeria.
Your Voice! Your Vote! Your Power!
Together, young Nigerians can shape the nation’s future.
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