The Association of Corporate Editors (ACOE) has challenged Nigerian youths to reject political violence and thuggery and use their numerical strength to shape the country’s political future as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
The Chairman of ACOE, Comrade
Sola Akingboye, gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday in a statement commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day, urging young Nigerians to turn their energy, creativity and resilience into productive contributions to national development.
Comrade Akingboye said the youth remained central to Nigeria’s social, economic and political transformation, but warned that their potential could be undermined if they allowed themselves to be recruited into violence and other destructive activities.
He urged young Nigerians to resist political actors who may seek to exploit them as instruments of violence during elections.
The ACOE Chairman particularly urged Nigerian youths to take greater interest in governance and democratic processes ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that their participation would be critical to determining who represents their interests at various levels of government.
He called on eligible youths to participate actively and massively in the electoral process, including exercising their civic responsibilities during the elections.
Comrade Akingboye said youth participation should go beyond voting to include informed engagement with political parties, candidates, policies and governance issues.
He argued that young Nigerians could not afford to remain spectators in a political system whose decisions directly affect their education, employment, businesses, security and future prospects.
While challenging the youth to take responsibility for their future, Comrade Akingboye also called on the older generation to create more opportunities for young Nigerians to deploy their talents.
He said the country possessed a large pool of energetic, innovative and creative young people whose potential could accelerate national development if given the right platforms and support.
He urged government, businesses, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to create opportunities that would allow young people to acquire skills, develop businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
The ACOE Chairman commended the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the Ministry of Youth Development for their efforts towards making Nigerian youths more productive and resourceful.
He said the contribution of both institutions to youth development deserved sustained support, particularly as Nigeria seeks to harness the country’s youthful population for economic and social advancement.
As Nigeria marks International Youth Day, ACOE urged young Nigerians to make peace, responsible citizenship, innovation and national development central to their activities.
The Association said young Nigerians should reject actions capable of jeopardising their future and instead use their numbers and influence to demand better governance and participate constructively in the democratic process.
International Youth Day is observed annually to draw attention to issues affecting young people and recognise their contributions to society.
Comrade Akingboye said the occasion provided an opportunity for Nigerian youths to reflect on their responsibilities to the country and reaffirm their commitment to building a peaceful, productive and prosperous Nigeria.
He assured young Nigerians that stakeholders across the country remained committed to supporting their aspirations, while urging them to reciprocate by making responsible choices and actively participating in Nigeria’s development.
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