In a move to strengthen grassroots political participation, no fewer than 1,000 youths from Wards 1 to 5 of Egbeda Local Government Area in Oyo State gathered for a major political sensitisation drive organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The event, tagged “Youth in Politics Sensitisation 1.0,” marks the first edition of a series focused on youth empowerment and political engagement. It is also the fourth in a broader sensitisation programme for Youths and Women in Politics, convened by Farmer Omolara Svensson Busari, a prominent APC stalwart and grassroots mobilizer in the state.

Held under the theme “Understanding Our Role in Active Politics,” the programme aims to train and empower young Nigerians to actively participate in democratic processes—from the ward level to national leadership.

Delivering the keynote address titled “Seeds of Change: Young Nigerians and the Future of Democracy,” Busari urged the youth to stop viewing politics as distant or corrupt and instead embrace it as a tool for real-life transformation.

She said: “Start local, school boards, market unions, ward councils, then move up. Train, mentor, fund, protect, and hold elected officials accountable.”

She emphasised that young people must evolve from being passive voters and party loyalists to becoming policymakers, community organisers, and power brokers.

Busari, who hails from the Egbeda community, warned that continued youth disengagement could silence an entire generation in the democratic process.

Citing statistics, she noted a concerning 6.6 per cent decline in youth political representation between the 2018 and 2023 general elections, despite the earlier momentum generated by the “Not Too Young To Run” movement.

Busari acknowledged recent reforms by the APC, particularly efforts to reduce nomination fees for youths and women, but called for deeper structural changes and continuous youth re-orientation.

“If you don’t understand who you are and the value you possess, you will live a life of no value. This is not just about politics—it’s about purpose,” she declared.

She also called on young people to resist political violence, make themselves available for mentorship, and remain fearless in the face of intimidation, especially from political thugs.

The APC Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Olawale Odeleye, praised the sensitisation campaign as a strategic tool for reviving youth participation in politics.

“People are clamouring for change, and that change begins with the youth. Politics at the national level rests on local mobilisation,” he said.

Also, Mr. Lateef Abiodun, the APC Youth Leader in Egbeda, expressed optimism, stating that the event has already begun to inspire a cultural shift in how young people perceive politics.