From Apathy to Action: Igniting the Civic Flame in Nigerian Youth

• From Apathy to Action: Igniting the Civic Flame in Nigerian Youth

  
  

  
  

  On Sunday, September 7, 2025, I hosted my Civic Engagement Project under the Emerging Political Leadership Fellowship, themed “From Apathy to Action: Igniting the Civic Flame in Nigerian Youth.”

  
  

  I designed this program to confront one of the most pressing challenges of our democracy: political apathy.

   As a Fellow and passionate advocate for youth participation, I wanted to create a space where young Nigerians could not only learn but also commit to becoming active citizens.

  
  

  This one-hour- thirty minutes virtual dialogue brought together young Nigerians, thought leaders, and changemakers. I moderated the conversation and set the tone by challenging participants to think about their role in shaping Nigeria’s governance and future.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Why This Project Matters to Me

  
  

  
  

  I understand how easy it is for young people to feel discouraged, powerless, or silenced. Yet, I believe that every young person has a voice worth hearing and the potential to spark change in their community. This project was my way of pushing back against the narrative of apathy and reminding my peers that we are the generation that must act.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Discussion Highlights

  
  

  With support from my guest speakers, Duniya Didam and Omolara Alabi, we unpacked both the challenges and the solutions to youth disengagement:

  • Together, we explored some of the root causes and dangers of political apathy, and then shifted toward actionable solutions:

    
    

    • Understanding Political Apathy: We unpacked what apathy really means, how it weakens society, and how it negatively affects both citizens and leaders.
    • The Role of Learned Helplessness: Duniya Didam explained how many young people feel their voices don’t matter, believing that their actions won’t make an impact. This mindset, he stressed, must be unlearned.
    • Hierarchy of Needs: Participants reflected on how daily struggles for survival often push youths to deprioritize governance, forgetting that government decisions directly shape their opportunities.
    • Culture, Tradition, and Religion: Omolara examined how societal norms sometimes discourage youth, women, and people with disabilities from participating fully in civic life.
    • Family Expectations: Many families directly or indirectly discourage political involvement, especially for women, creating barriers that must be addressed.
    • From Diagnosis to Solutions: Beyond identifying the problem, we discussed practical steps young people can take—mobilizing their communities, organizing for change, and influencing decisions both big and small.

    
    

  
  

  My Closing Challenge

  
  

  “When the wise do not get involved in politics, they will be governed by fools. If you think you can do it, step up. If you know someone who can, encourage them. The sky is only the starting point for us as young leaders.”

  
  

  This was more than a call to action,it was a reminder that we, the youth, cannot afford to stand on the sidelines.

  
  

Notable Quotes from the Session

💡 “You are part of the problem if you don’t get involved. Hold your leaders accountable and step into leadership yourself.” — Omolara Alabi

💡 “Start small. Every big movement begins with one person willing to solve a problem in their community.” — Duniya Didam

💡 “When the wise do not get involved in politics, they will be governed by fools.” — Blessing Olarewaju (Closing remark)

Key Takeaways

1. Youth engagement is non-negotiable for Nigeria’s progress.
2. Civic action goes beyond elections—it is an everyday responsibility.
3. Change begins locally. By influencing our immediate communities, we create ripples of national impact.

Moving Forward

This Civic Engagement Project reaffirmed my belief that young Nigerians are not apathetic by nature, they simply need the right platforms, mentorship, and encouragement to act. Through continued conversations, capacity-building, and collective action, we can ignite a generation of change-makers who see governance as their responsibility.

This initiative is a step forward in my journey as a Fellow of the Emerging Political Leadership Fellowship. I remain committed to building platforms that inspire civic participation and amplify youth voices in Nigeria.

~Blessing Olarewaju

Emerging Political Leadership Fellow, 2025