PGI Canvasses More Youth Volunteerism In Democratic Processes

Advocacy for increased youth volunteerism took center stage in Abuja during a stakeholders’ dialogue workshop on “The Role and Development of Volunteerism in Deepening Democracy and Democratic Governance in Nigeria.”

Several stakeholders at the forum stressed the need for more young people to volunteer and actively participate in democratic processes to gain experience, foster self-development, and prepare for future leadership roles.

The workshop was organized by Proactive Gender Initiatives (PGI) in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Delivering a keynote address, Program Manager at the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Agianpe Onyema, explained that volunteerism strengthens social trust, fuels patriotic development, and complements government efforts. She called for a nationally coordinated volunteerism policy that would address the challenge of low citizen motivation.

Programme Officer at PGI, Benedicta Adyo, noted that democracy thrives when young people are empowered. She emphasized the need for youths, whom she described as the driving force of national progress, to get involved in volunteerism and become familiar with democratic processes for long-term sustainability.

“The workshop is part of our strategic effort to advance meaningful discourse on how volunteerism can contribute to stronger democratic institutions, enhance civic participation, and promote inclusive governance across Nigeria.

“What this program aims to achieve is to help young persons recognize that volunteerism will give them the skills to build their capacity and provide visibility. We are trying to revive the days of our forefathers when we had activities like the Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade, coordinated platforms that prepared young people for the future,” Adyo said.

Expressing concern that many Nigerians, especially youths, have lost the core values of volunteerism and patriotism due to lack of recognition, she explained that PGI aims to establish a structured and coordinated system where volunteerism becomes widely embraced.

“So what PGI is trying to create now is a coordinated movement where citizens know that we have an agency responsible for volunteerism, and volunteers are registered under this structure so that whatever service they render to the nation is coordinated and recognized,” she added.

Also speaking, Mercy Abiem, Program Manager of Kempark’s Development Initiative, emphasized the importance of volunteerism in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes.

She described volunteerism as a deliberate act of contributing to civic growth without monetary reward, adding that such selfless service enhances community development and institutional effectiveness.

According to her, a major challenge in Nigeria is the increasing reluctance of citizens,especially youths, to work without financial incentives. She stressed that democracy thrives when individuals willingly commit their time and skills to national development.

Abiem commended PGI for recognizing outstanding volunteers through merit awards, describing the initiative as a strong motivator for young people to engage in democratic activities. She expressed hope that more students and youths across the country would embrace volunteerism, acquire practical experience, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic advancement.

In an interview, the Principal Youth Development Officer at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Chike Onaku, emphasized the need to strengthen structures that encourage volunteerism among Nigerian youth.

While noting that volunteerism must stem from personal passion and a desire to contribute to society, he frowned at excessive government bureaucracy, particularly in NGO registration, which discourages many willing young volunteers. He called for a reduction in these bottlenecks to boost civic participation.

Mr. Onaku advised youths to equip themselves with relevant 21st-century skills that align with global demands before seeking volunteer roles. He added that coordinated action and political support would advance the cause of volunteerism and enhance the impact of youth-led initiatives across the country.

During a panel session, Mrs. Mma Odi and Mrs. Anuli Aniebo identified poor recognition, inadequate policies, and weak institutional support as some of the major challenges affecting volunteerism in Nigeria. They emphasized the need for a national register for volunteer recognition and awards.

The high point of the event was the launch of a manual titled “Youth Manual on Civil Action and Election Observation,” as well as an overview of the 2023 National Policy on Volunteerism presented by Mr. Emmanuel Agodi.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji