Nigeria’s democracy has been on shaky ground since gaining independence in 1960. The country’s complex mix of over 200 ethnic groups, drawn together by British colonialists, has made national unity a daunting task ¹. Now, the National Youth Alliance is taking up the mantle to bring Nigerians together.

The Alliance’s rallying cry, “Youth Arise!” is a call to action for young Nigerians to take ownership of their country’s future. With the youth making up a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, their involvement is crucial in shaping the nation’s destiny.

Challenges to National Unity

Nigeria’s democracy has faced numerous challenges, including:

Ethnic and Regional Divisions: The country’s diverse ethnic groups have often found themselves at odds, with tensions simmering just below the surface ¹.

Military Intervention: Nigeria has experienced several military coups, undermining civilian rule and exacerbating regional tensions.

Corruption and Poor Governance: Ineffective leadership and rampant corruption have eroded trust in institutions, fueling discontent among Nigerians.

The National Youth Alliance’s Vision

Despite these challenges, the National Youth Alliance remains committed to creating a sense of national unity. Their strategy focuses on:

Promoting Dialogue: Encouraging open discussions among Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to foster understanding and empathy.

Empowering Youth Leadership: Developing young leaders who can drive positive change and promote national cohesion.

Addressing Socio-Economic Issues: Tackling poverty, inequality, and other socio-economic challenges that exacerbate divisions

To overcome Nigeria’s democratic challenges, experts recommend Inclusive Governance by ensuring that all regions and ethnic groups have a stake in the country’s decision-making processes.
Accountable Leadership through strengthening institutions and promoting transparency to combat corruption.
Civic Engagement that encourages active citizenship and participation in democratic processes.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, the National Youth Alliance’s efforts offer a beacon of hope. By harnessing the energy and idealism of young Nigerians, the country can move closer to achieving true national unity declared the Youth President, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas.

The time for change is now – will Nigeria’s youth rise to the challenge?