Youth President Describes NYA As Platform For Young Nigerians to Defend Democracy, As Uniben Lecturer Harps On Inclusivity

By Frank Oshanugor

The President, National Youth Alliance (NYA) Amb. Aliyu Bin Abbas has re-affirmed the group’s commitment to promoting good governance and defending Nigeria’s democracy.

Speaking at the inauguration of 123 Local Government Coordinators for the South-South zone at Eleganza Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State on February 16, 2026, Abbas, described NYA as a credible nationwide platform dedicated to preparing young Nigerians and women for leadership.

He emphasized the movement’s neutrality, stating that NYA is neither pro nor anti-government but committed to reforming systems that hinder national progress.

Despite the refusal of its registration as a political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission, he affirmed that the Alliance will continue mobilizing and supporting candidates aligned with its principles ahead of 2027.

Amb. Bin Abbas noted that NYA aims to mentor emerging leaders, promote civic participation, and ensure greater inclusion of women in governance.

In their goodwill messages, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu of Delta State House of Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko and other dignitaries commended the initiative and urged members to pursue their objectives peacefully while fostering unity and strategic leadership development.

In his keynote lecture, Prof. Victor Azubike Okonji of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin (Uniben) emphasized the need for youth and women to be included in governance insisting that “inclusion is not a slogan. It is a governance principle. Governance works best when it reflects the society it serves. When large segments of the population are excluded as in the case of the youths that make up to 45% of the population, policies become disconnected from reality of the majority of citizens, trust in institutions weakens and political participation declines.”

Speaking on the theme “Birthing a new Nigeria: Youth and women inclusion in politics and governance,” the University of Benin don posited that the theme captures “the usefulness of the National Youth Alliance and the eagerness of youths to contribute to nation building.”

He emphasised that “Birthing” which means the process of giving birth to a new individual or idea is symbolic and significant in the life of our nation because it implies deliberate effort, careful preparation, growth over time and responsibility beyond the moment.”

Alluding commendably to NYA’s efforts so far, Okonji asserted that a new Nigeria will not emerge spontaneously. “It must be intentionally nurtured through collective efforts and inclusion is one of the most important conditions for that process to achieve success.”

He remarked strongly that “the youth is the power house and energy pack of the nation that guarantees success in the social, political and economic sector. A nation without youths will be unproductive and youth exclusion implies retardation.”

The one-day event came to the climax with a renewed commitment by coordinators to advance transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance across the South-South region.