By Ibironke Ariyo
The Committee of Youth for Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) has intensified advocacy for youth inclusion in governance, credible elections and full local government autonomy, as it rolls out a comprehensive national programme for 2026.
The Director-General of CYMS, Chief Obinna Nwaka, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
Nwaka, who spoke on the organisation’s strategic plans, policy focus and interventions for the year, said that CYMS’ mandate centred on policy development.
This, he said, included promotion of Federal Government programmes, good governance, peaceful coexistence and facilitation of employment opportunities for young people.
He explained that several initiatives had already been initiated ahead of the new year to ensure young people were visible, actively engaged and empowered from the grassroots to the national level.
“CYMS is placing strong emphasis on democratic participation, especially as the year coincides with election-related activities, including the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections.”
He said the organisation will actively participate in the FCT Area Council Elections, noting that CYMS works closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen democratic values.
“As part of our contribution to good governance, we observe elections and generate reports on the conduct of the process, with particular attention to the level of youth participation,” he said.
The CYMS boss disclosed that INEC had accredited CYMS to participate in the FCT Area Council Elections scheduled for Feb. 21.
Beyond election observation, Nwaka said the organisation was deliberately shifting focus from Abuja’s metropolitan centre to underserved communities within the FCT.
He noted that while areas such as Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) received significant attention, other councils remain marginalised despite pressing youth and development needs.
As part of efforts to bridge this gap, he announced that CYMS would host a major youth summit in Bwari Area Council to deepen grassroots engagement.
“The Bwari Youth Summit, scheduled for Feb. 17, would focus on security awareness, youth welfare, governance and empowerment.
“The summit became necessary after findings revealed that no youth summit had been held in Bwari Area Council since its creation.
“The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, has been invited and has confirmed attendance as Special Guest of Honour.
“The summit is designed to bring young people and stakeholders in Bwari closer to the Federal Government and strengthen their sense of inclusion,” Nwaka said.
The CYMS DG recalled that rumours of bandit activities in Bwari Area Council some months ago had created fear among residents, particularly young people.
However, he said infrastructural and civil development projects currently underway had significantly changed the narrative.
Nwaka commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for spearheading developmental projects in the area, attributing the progress to the policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said communities such as Ushafa were witnessing visible infrastructural development, countering the perception that the area was neglected.
“The summit will also enable participants from central Abuja to witness firsthand the development taking place in Bwari Area Council.
“CYMS aims to reduce fear, foster interaction between rural communities and government officials, and build confidence in Federal Government interventions,” he maintained.
Speaking on grassroots governance, Nwaka reaffirmed CYMS’ support for President Tinubu’s emphasis on strengthening local government administration as a foundation for national development.
He stressed the need for local government funds to be paid directly into the accounts of council chairmen to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Funds should be paid directly to local government chairmen to guarantee proper custody and transparent utilisation of resources,” he emphasised.
In furtherance of this advocacy, Nwaka announced plans for a two-day national conference on local government autonomy.
He said the conference would be organised in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
“The conference is aimed at creating nationwide awareness, strengthening public advocacy and encouraging local government administrators to take ownership of autonomy reforms.
“The approval has been granted for the conference and a planning committee has already been inaugurated.
“CYMS will commence stakeholder engagements immediately, including a courtesy visit to media houses. The media partnership will help amplify advocacy on local government autonomy and grassroots accountability,” he said.
Nwaka said the conference would also address the challenge of rural-urban migration, particularly among young people saying that over-centralisation of opportunities in urban centres has driven youth migration, leaving rural communities underdeveloped.
He said direct funding and effective governance at the local government level would stimulate grassroots development and reduce migration pressures.
Nwaka further said the conference would promote mechanisms for holding local government chairmen accountable for mismanagement of funds.
He disclosed that anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), would participate.
Nwaka reaffirmed CYMS’ commitment to youth mobilisation, democratic deepening and accountable governance, stressing that sustainable national development must begin at the grassroots. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
