With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, youths from Southern Kaduna have begun intensifying efforts to secure greater participation in Nigeria’s political and development process, with the Association of Ikulu National Youth seeking strategic collaboration with the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS).
The move emerged on Thursday, September 10, 2026, when a delegation of the association, led by its Vice Chairman, Mr Matthew Miyaki, visited the CYMS office and held discussions with the organisation’s Director-General, Chief Obinna Nwaka.
The association, which has a presence in 10 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, said it was seeking meaningful platforms through which young people could move beyond political rhetoric and become active participants in programmes capable of driving community and national development.
The visit comes against the backdrop of growing calls for increased youth inclusion in governance, political decision-making and development initiatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
For the Southern Kaduna youths, the engagement was not presented as a mere courtesy visit but as an attempt to build partnerships capable of giving young people a stronger voice in issues affecting their communities and the country.
Miyaki, who led the delegation, expressed the association’s interest in working with CYMS on youth-oriented programmes, mobilisation and other initiatives that would encourage young people to participate constructively in national affairs.
He stressed the need for young people to be deliberately integrated into development processes, arguing that the energy, ideas and talents of the younger generation remain critical to Nigeria’s future.
Responding, CYMS Director-General, Chief Obinna Nwaka, welcomed the initiative and assured the delegation that the organisation was prepared to collaborate with credible youth groups in line with its mandate.
Nwaka urged the Ikulu youths to remain peaceful and focused, stressing that youth mobilisation must translate into constructive engagement rather than violence, division or political intolerance.
He also encouraged the youths to take advantage of meaningful programmes and opportunities that could improve their communities while preparing themselves for responsible participation in the country’s democratic process.
As the political temperature gradually rises ahead of the 2027 elections, Nwaka urged young Nigerians to recognise their role not only as voters but also as stakeholders whose participation could shape the quality of leadership and governance in the country.
He warned against allowing young people to be used as instruments of political violence, urging them instead to demand accountability, support development and participate in democratic activities peacefully.
The CYMS chief maintained that meaningful youth participation remains essential to building a stable and prosperous Nigeria, adding that young people must be equipped with the knowledge and opportunities required to contribute to national development.
The meeting was attended by Hon. Kelechi Ugwumba, CYMS Director of Contacts and Mobilization, and Mrs Amarah Joseph, Administrative Officer.
The engagement signals growing efforts by youth organisations in Kaduna State to build networks and partnerships ahead of the 2027 political season, while placing youth inclusion, peaceful participation and development at the centre of their agenda.
