Ayomide Awe
The Ogun State chapter of the Commonwealth Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) has called for increased youth participation in government decision-making, urging Nigerian youths to embrace unity as a tool for national development.
Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta on Monday, the CYON State Coordinator, Ambassador Ojo Emmanuel, emphasized that Nigerian youths must move beyond being passive beneficiaries of policies and become active participants in shaping the nation’s future.
The event was part of activities marking the 2025 Commonwealth Day celebration, themed “Together, We Thrive.”
Emmanuel noted that the theme underscored the urgent need for collaboration among young people, government institutions, and the private sector to address the country’s pressing challenges, including economic instability, social inequalities, and technological disruptions.
“As members of the Commonwealth family, we are reminded that our diversity is not a weakness but our greatest asset,” Emmanuel said.
“Young people must no longer wait for opportunities to be handed to them; they must take the lead in driving economic transformation, governance, and social change.”
He stressed that CYON is dedicated to equipping young Nigerians with the necessary skills, education, and opportunities to take charge of national development.
According to him, this requires advocating for policies that promote inclusivity, expanding access to quality education, and fostering skills development that aligns with modern economic demands.
The CYON leader also called for stronger collaborations between the youth, government agencies, and private organizations to create sustainable solutions for economic growth.
“We must forge partnerships that build bridges across our differences and drive inclusive development. Unity in purpose is key to achieving a thriving nation,” he added.
The Director of Administration of CYON, Ambassador Christopher Olokodana, reinforced this message by referencing the speech of King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, who highlighted the need for peace, human rights advocacy, and global cooperation.
Olokodana noted that this year’s Commonwealth Day celebration serves as a reminder of the organization’s role in tackling contemporary global issues.
He urged Nigerian youths to embrace their role as architects of a better future by pushing for active involvement in governance and policy-making.
“As Nigerian youths, we must be the architects of tomorrow,” Olokodana said. “We must unite, strengthen our voices, and ensure we have a say in the policies that shape our lives.”
Similarly, the Ewekoro Local Government Coordinator of CYON, Ambassador Ogunde Success, stressed that Nigeria cannot progress unless its youths take a united stand in decision-making processes.
“As long as we do not thrive together, Nigeria may struggle to survive,” he stated.
“This is a call for Nigerian youths to unite, not just in words but in action, especially when it comes to governance and economic policies.”
The CYON Ogun chapter reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Nigerians and fostering socio-economic development through strategic youth-driven initiatives.
The group urged policymakers to invest in youth-led programs, promote economic policies that benefit young entrepreneurs, and create platforms for youth engagement in governance.
“As youths, we are ready to lead, ready to innovate, and ready to transform Nigeria,” Emmanuel declared.
With Commonwealth Day 2025 marking 80 years since the end of World War II, the youth leaders stressed that the celebration should serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration in overcoming challenges.
They called on Nigerian youths to embrace peace, unity, and active participation in governance to build a prosperous future for the nation.
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