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.
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