The APC Youth Wing West Africa has successfully convened a high-level Youth Town Hall Meeting under the theme “Back Home, Still Involved,” reaffirming the strong commitment of Nigerian youths in the diaspora to active civic participation, national development, and the continuity of progressive governance in Nigeria.
Held in Accra, Ghana, the Town Hall brought together government officials, party youth leaders, cultural influencers, community stakeholders, and Nigerian youths from across West Africa for robust and forward-looking conversations centred on youth mobilisation, leadership responsibility, and sustained political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Participants widely described the engagement as impactful, timely, and purpose-driven, reflecting a growing resolve among diaspora youths to remain actively involved in Nigeria’s political and developmental journey.
The Town Hall also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the growing regional structure of the APC Youth Wing West Africa, with active chapters in Togo, Benin Republic, and Côte d’Ivoire, and ongoing preparations for the launch of secretariats in Lagos (Nigeria), Accra (Ghana), and Benin Republic in the coming weeks, as part of efforts to strengthen coordination, mobilisation, and sustained youth engagement across the sub-region.
Leaders Call for Responsible Youth Participation
Delivering remarks at the event, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, underscored the importance of inclusive platforms that amplify youth voices and deepen their role in governance. He noted that Nigerian youths in the diaspora remain a critical force in shaping the country’s democratic future, stressing that engagement beyond national borders strengthens unity and shared responsibility.
Similarly, Hon. Muritala Ishola Seriki, APC Youth Leader, Lagos State, charged young people to move beyond political awareness to practical action, emphasising mobilisation, participation, and discipline as essential pillars for democratic growth and continuity.
Diaspora Youths Reaffirm Connection to Home
Speaking on behalf of the APC Youth Wing West Africa, the Coordinator and Director of Operations and Logistics, Hon. Adewale Bolowotan, described the Town Hall as a clear demonstration that Nigerian youths abroad remain deeply connected to the nation’s political process. He reaffirmed the Wing’s commitment to sustained youth engagement across the diaspora, noting that the Town Hall marked a strategic step toward long-term mobilisation.
The event also featured notable public figures, including veteran Nollywood actor Saheed Balogun, actor and youth mobiliser Lege Miami, and APC stakeholder Alhaji Fowosere, all of whom encouraged youths to remain informed, purposeful, and actively involved in nation-building.
Unanimous Endorsement of President Tinubu’s Second Term
A major highlight of the Town Hall was the unanimous declaration of support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Youth leaders and participants formally endorsed the President’s second-term bid, citing ongoing reforms, youth-focused initiatives, and the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Participants pledged to mobilise Nigerian youths across West Africa in support of the President’s vision, stressing that continuity remains essential for sustaining and completing ongoing reforms.
DG’s Remarks Capture the Spirit of the Engagement
In his comprehensive address and closing summary, Hon. Gideon Olatunde Igbasan, Director-General of the APC Youth Wing West Africa, described the Town Hall as a defining moment for diaspora youth participation.
According to him, “Today’s Youth Town Hall was more than a gathering — it was a clear statement of purpose. It proved that Nigerian youths, at home and in the diaspora, remain engaged, intentional, and ready to shape the future.”
He highlighted the tangible impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda on young Nigerians, referencing initiatives such as NELFUND, TVET and SUPA, the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, DL4ALL, CREDITCORP, the National Credit Guarantee Company, Special Agro-Processing Zones, housing support through MREIF, and job creation driven by reforms in agriculture, mining, energy, and transport.
Hon. Igbasan emphasised that these initiatives are systems, not slogans, and stressed that such systems must be protected, strengthened, and sustained through youth participation, registration, mobilisation, and the Return-to-Vote initiative.
He further reaffirmed the APC Youth Wing West Africa’s commitment to supporting youths across West Africa and beyond, with a strong focus on civic participation and preparation for the 2027 elections.
A Movement, Not a One-Off Event
Hon. Igbasan expressed deep appreciation to all dignitaries and leaders whose presence strengthened the engagement, including Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Hon. Muritala Ishola Seriki, Hon. Adewale Bolowotan, Mr. Saheed Balogun, Mr Lege Miami, Rev. Dr. Olayinka Awonuga. Mr. Oluwadamilare Adejayan. Baba Ijo General aka Fowosere, and members of the APC Youth Wing West Africa.
He also commended the youths in attendance, noting that their participation reaffirmed a simple truth: when youths are involved, progress becomes inevitable.
Organisers concluded by emphasising that the APC Youth Wing West Africa Town Hall represents a sustained movement rather than a one-off gathering, with continued engagements planned across the region.
The message from Accra was clear and unified:
Nigerian youths may be in the diaspora, but they remain — Back Home, Still Involved.
