The meeting was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Conference center with the theme REDEFINING ACTIVISM, ENGAGEMENT, AND PARTICIPATION. We had over one thousand youths in attendance both online and offline and had special guests like His Excellency, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the Executive Governor, Kaduna state, ably represented by Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hon. Frank Nweke II, former minister of information and communication, Samson Itodo, CEO YIAGA Africa, Mr. Mohammed Aliyu, special assistant to the vice president on logistics.

Also in attendance were Aisha Yesufu, Hamzat Lawal, founder of Connected Development (CODE) ably represented by Mukhtar Modibbo Halilu (Project Manager CODE), Ndi Kato (Executive Director, Dinidari foundation), Adaora Onyechere (Presenter, AIT), Kasim Afemia (spokesperson to Gen. Ibrahim Babaginda) amongst others.

The event was opened by the National Secretary of Power Shift, Hon. Bright Omoruyi. He welcomed everyone in attendance and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to educate Nigerians on the importance of People Power and that if the people can start organizing themselves to harness their power, it’ll go a long way in changing our nation. He also stated that the conference was here to raise awareness of the historical importance of the upcoming 2023 general elections.

Speaking at the event, the convener, Hon. Nonso Nnamani spoke on his vision and how the idea of Power Shift was born. He stated that it’s high time Nigerians took the responsibility for rebuilding our nation. He said that for a long time we have been silent about the issues that concern us, thinking that it’s not our responsibility to do something about it, but in actuality, our actions and inactions have shaped our country into what it is now, so we need to be more intentional about our role in nation-building instead of blaming the government. Nonso Nnamani further stated that for there to be effective governance, the people need to be involved in not only activism but also engage the government in dialogues on issues affecting them and then ultimately participate actively in politics. He further said that Power Shift is committed to changing the face of politics and engagement in Nigeria, and in that regard is activating networks in the 36 states of the federation including the federal capital territory, as well as a political school to teach Nigerians effective ways to be involved in government and leadership in general.

The Executive Governor of Kaduna His Excellency, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who was represented by Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the deputy governor of Kaduna state said that the youths are a great asset to any nation but however that the political force of Nigerian youths has not been adequately utilized and she encouraged the youths to take action and go for power rather than waiting for it to be given to them on a platter of gold.

Frank Nweke also spoke at the event, saying our voices as citizens need to be heard and that though it is good to complain, it is far better to act. He said that it’s high time we started taking action because that is what we will be remembered for, not what we complained about.

Aisha Yesufu also spoke during the event, charging the youths to redefine activism. She said that activism is not only about protests, that the youths can engage in activism by running for a political office if they feel they are capable and ready enough to rule, but they can also campaign for the right people, supporting them financially where possible and holding them accountable when they get into the office; that these are the ways they can engage in activism and have effective results.

Other speakers at the event include Samson Itodo (CEO YIAGA Africa), Abioye Oke, Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa(Executive director, LEAD Network Africa) Idris Jubril (Convener Progressive Youth Group), Mrs. Promise Agunecheibe (Power Shift Training and Development manger) and  Nnaemeka Anyaene(MD, GED Vision Hub), amongst many others

The were panel sessions, song renditions, and spoken word performances from guests and artists during the event.

The event was ended with everyone in attendance charged with taking the responsibility of rebuilding our nation, as nation-building is the responsibility of every Nigerian and not just the elected officials.

For other news and activities, check our website and our social media handles.

You are all welcome to this very important press conference which is about the birth of a new movement that seeks the shift of power to young, vibrant and credible individuals in 2023- #Powershift2023.

It is no longer news that our country is in a difficult state, with multiple challenges hitting us on different levels at the same time. The political situation in Nigeria has lingered for years, every four years we look forward to the emergence of new political leaders who will help solve all the socio-economic woes crippling the potentials of this great country since independence. Time after time we have been met with not just disappointment, but the situation in Nigeria seems to be moving from bad to worse.

We believe It is time to think and act differently. Poverty and chaos are man-made, but through human action and ingenuity we can surmount all our problems.

Enugu state’s population and Nigeria at large are young and fast-growing. Our nations demography is predominantly young, ages below 35 making nearly 70% of the population. It cannot be overly stated that young people need a substantial representation across all levels in the country’s political system.

Nigerian youths are vibrant, capable and competent to take over leadership positions and help create a more viable, prosperous and secure socio-economic environment for the state and nation at large. This have been proven in other sectors outside politics.

As 2023 election draws closer, we call on our leaders, different institutions, political parties and all stakeholders to look towards young, competent and credible candidates that will pilot our affairs as a nation. We believe young people could be engaged not just by listening and giving them a voice, but also giving them a chance to do things differently.

Like I said earlier, to ensure effective representation, we need young people about the age of 45 years and younger to participate in the political space as president, governors, senators, reps, house of assembly members and other various political positions. This is not something new, countries like Canada and France just to mention few have over the years proven that engaging the younger generation in government aids productivity, innovation and economic growth.

Let’s not get it wrong, the problem in Nigeria is not age or gender. But the truth still holds that we are not fully harnessing the energy, strength and innovative minds of the young Nigerians which can help move us further and faster as a nation.

We also want to use this opportunity to encourage young people not to lose hope in Nigeria but rather to prepare for leadership positions. ENDSARS movement has come and gone, we have our gains and we’ve learnt our lessons.  Change requires more than just protests and anger. It must be organized around sustainable ideas and ideals. The ENDSARS protest proved the ingenuity of young Nigerians to organize, it showed a potential for comprehensive Democratic change.

We have all it takes to channel the same energy and mental strength into political space. This is time for engagement and participation which will lead to positive actions and more sustainable results.

We call on all young people to get involved, get ready, get their PVCs and prepare to run and support those who run. We have the platforms, the numbers and the influence to move any political position to any desired direction. We should no longer sit back and be spectators but rather, become actors to birthing the new Nigeria of our dream.

In the words of Stacy Abrams, “Democracy only works when we work it, when we fight for it, when we demand for it”.

This is a call, an urgent call to get involved. The 2023 election will carry historic consequences and there is no better time to act than now. History has taught us that we should not only say who we do not want, but also push for who we want because our today and future depends on it.

Powershift movement is here to nominate, prepare and empower young and capable leaders for political positions in Nigeria. This is a movement for good governance in Nigerian. Our goal is to raise awareness, gather allies and unify our voices in other to shift power come 2023 and beyond.

Power Shift aims to achieve great public and political impact necessary to facilitate and accelerate the transformation and growth of Nigeria through raising and maintaining a powerful network of leaders who through creative leadership, will offer solutions to Nigeria’s overwhelming problems.

We believe in the future of Nigerian politics where decisions about our communities are made by community leaders who put the people first.

In the coming days, we shall be activating our networks in the 36 states of the Federation, the FCT and Nigerians in the diaspora. We shall be engaging with the relevant stakeholders to make sure power shifts in 2023.

Once again, we call on all young and capable Nigerians and interested stakeholders to join this movement. To get involved please visit www.powershift.org.ng, Follow us on all social media platforms @#powershiftng for more information.

Official hashtag for this movement is #powershift2023.

Thank you!

Nonso Nnamani
Convener and Author, Power Shift

Complete the form below to nominate someone in your community.

Nomination Form

Please take a moment to sign-up and tell us a little more about yourself.

Ready to Lead Form

Recent actions in Nigeria have proved that intentional actions can lead to a positive result. Therefore we believe that a program that will intentionally recruit, equip and empower young people as effective participants in community leadership and the political process will go a long way to salvaging Nigeria from the long history lack of development and oppression. If not now, then in the near future.

This program is designed with the mission of training and empowering new leaders with skills and mindset to occupy public and political positions in other to bring about socio-economic change in Nigeria.

In order for us to build a successful educational program, it is critical that we understand and apply some fundamental
principles of education. For us to build a sustainable education program we will have to:

1. Keep our program as simple as possible and be realistic about it.
2. Be patient with ourselves – we have to remember that we cannot change Nigeria or ourselves in a day.
3. Try to build in continuity and consistency.
4. Make the commitment to persist until we have the habit or skill that we want established.
5. Develop an attitude of experimentation and try to adopt a “beginner’s mindset” so that routine will not dull our attention.
6. Try to incorporate learning or training opportunity into our day to day activities.
7. Stay flexible and allow ourselves to learn, even from our mistakes.

An understanding of this critical analysis and requirements above gave birth to a fresh idea that lead to the establishment of Power Shift Leadership Academy.

The first training of 2021 is quickly approaching. Be sure to apply for your chance to become a part of the next wave of diverse, creative leaders changing the face of leadership in our democracy!

Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please note that in your application. Acceptances and scholarship notifications will also be released on a rolling basis.

Click to Apply. Application Deadline is 10th January, 2021.