By Jumoke Olaitan

Safe to Speak Initiative, has called for greater involvement of children and young people in democratic processes and decision-making to promote responsible citizenship and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

‎The founder of the initiative, Mr Christopher Uloko, made the call at the 2026 Safe to Speak National Civic Dialogue and Debate Championship held on Thursday in Abuja.

‎The event, had the theme: “The Voice of a Nation: Empowering Young Citizens for a Stronger Democracy”, also featured the inauguration of his book, “Safe to Speak: Building Trust Between Children and Adults”.

‎Uloko said the initiative was established to give young people the confidence and opportunity to express themselves, report abuses and seek help without fear or intimidation.

‎“Every child deserves to be heard. Every young person deserves to feel safe and nobody should have to suffer in silence.

‎“We are not teaching young people to be disrespectful or encouraging reckless expression. We are teaching them to ask questions, think critically and express themselves constructively,” he said.

‎Speaking on his book, Uloko said it addressed the need for parents, teachers, guardians and institutions to create safe environments where children could report challenges and express their concerns without fear.

‎“We cannot demand that children speak up if we have not created an environment where they feel safe enough to speak.
‎“We cannot tell children that their voices matter and then consistently dismiss what they have to say,” he said.

‎He urged participating students to demonstrate good research, logical reasoning, confidence, respect for opposing views and the ability to defend their positions with facts and evidence.

‎ Mr Bukar Mela, Assistant Director, Youth Unit, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abuja said, civic education should prepare young Nigerians to understand their democratic rights and responsibilities.

‎Mela said young people should understand that their participation in democracy was not limited to voting but also included holding leaders accountable and contributing to national development.

‎He urged eligible young Nigerians to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate in elections and avoid selling their votes.

‎“When you sell your vote, you sell your right to ask questions for the next four years. Your vote is worth more than the money offered to you,” he said.

‎He also urged young people to reject electoral violence, avoid being used by politicians and verify information before sharing messages or videos on social media.

‎Mela said young people were important stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral process, adding that their participation would be critical to the success of the 2027 general elections.

‎The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kolawole Olatosimi, National Leader, Child and Youth Protection Foundation, commended the initiative for providing young people with an opportunity to express their views on governance and national development.

‎Olatosimi said young people were often excluded from conversations about democracy and governance, in spite of having ideas and solutions to the country’s challenges.

‎“The only time we want to listen to children is when we are giving them school fees or giving them lunch. It is time for us to listen to our young ones.

‎‎“You are not here to entertain us or amuse us. You are here to speak and we are here to listen,” he said.

‎He expressed optimism that the dialogue would enable the initiative to develop a communiqué and recommendations for policy implementation on child protection and democracy.

‎Miss Tehila Sukie, an Senior Secondary School 3 student of Lugbe International Academy and first student ambassador of the initiative, said young people needed encouragement to express their ideas and contribute to society.

‎Sukie said being an ambassador had taught her that having a voice involved speaking responsibly; standing for what was right and listening to others.

‎“Many young people have brilliant ideas but are afraid to share them. Sometimes, we experience things we do not know how to talk about and some people just need someone who will listen,” she said.

‎She encouraged participating students to prepare well, believe in themselves and use the championship as an opportunity to build confidence and develop their abilities.

‎The debate championship featured students from Lugbe International School, Kings of Kings Academy, Lugbe and Kings Care Universal School, Lugbe.

‎Kings Care Universal School, Lugbe, emerged first in the debate competition, while Lugbe International Academy came second and Kings of Kings Academy secured third position.

‎Certificates and awards were presented to outstanding speakers and participants. (NAN)
‎
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Uche Anunne