…hail youth inclusion in appointments, policies, others

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AHEAD of the 2027 general elections, southern Nigeria youth under the auspices of the
Coalition of Southern Nigeria Youth Groups for ASIWAJU 2027, COSONYGA-2027, Friday, backed President Bola Tinubu’s second term in office.

Speaking at the unveiling of the coalition in Abuja, the Executive Director, COSONYGA 2027, Rt. Hon. Rikki Nwajiofor, pointed out that the essence of the coalition is to carry out engagements devoid of political confrontations and polarization of tribal and religious ideologies.

According to Nwajiofor, the coalition is a conglomerate of grassroot youth groups, nationally recognised youth groups, and youth leaders

He also explained that the coalition is basically out to properly inform and educate Nigerians about the achievements of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and dislodge opposing impressions.

He further stated that the coalition is out to create a political platform that shall mobilize and empower young people in Southern Nigeria to actively participate in elections, governance, and overall national development while canvassing an overwhelming youth support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He also added that the Coalition exists to: Build a structured and organized youth movement across the South-West, South-South, and South-East regions; Establish a grassroots network spanning all the states, senatorial districts, local government areas, LGAs, and political wards in Southern Nigeria.

Conduct youth empowerment programs, leadership training, and business development initiatives aligned with Asiwaju’s economic vision; Engage in nationwide political awareness campaigns to drive voter registration and support for Asiwaju 2027; and Collaborate with media houses, influencers, and strategic partners to create a dominant online and offline presence.

He said: “It is with great pride and unwavering commitment to the future of our beloved country, Nigeria, that we gather here today for the official unveiling of the Coalition of Southern Nigeria Youth Groups for ASIWAJU 2027 (code named COSONYGA-2027) – a patriotic platform birthed by seasoned youth leaders, grassroot influencers, young social crusaders, and young tech innovators and professionals across the 17 Southern states of Nigeria.

“The Coalition of Southern Nigeria Youth Groups for Asiwaju 2027 (COSONYGA-2027) is a youth-driven political cum advocacy movement established to mobilize, coordinate, and unite young people across the 17 States of Southern Nigeria in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 2nd term bid.

“The coalition will serve as a strategic platform for youth-driven political engagement, grassroot advocacy, and policy discussions that align with the vision and leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Suffice it to say that the coalition aims to leverage grassroot engagement, digital advocacy, and policy-driven initiatives to ensure massive youth participation in the electoral process, solidify youth support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and contribute to the overall development of our dear nation.

“COSONYGA-2027 is a conglomerate of grassroot youth groups, nationally recognised youth groups, and youth leaders with a proven track record of leadership networking and synergy. It is structured from the National down to the Polling Units level.

“Our engagements are devoid of political confrontations or blind polarization of tribal and religious ideoligies rather, a diplomatic syndication marshalled by superior presentation of facts that represent the achievements of Renewed Hope Agenda so as to dislodge opposing impressions.

“Today, we are not just launching a group – we are igniting a movement. A movement built on vision, legacy, and continuity. A movement that stands in recognition of a leader who, time and again, has demonstrated political courage, inclusion, sagacity, unmatched leadership prowess, and innovation. That leader is none other than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Asiwaju worldwide.

“Some people might ask: Why ASIWAJU? Why 2027? President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a symbol of generational progress. His commitment to Nigerian youth is not rhetoric – it is policy-backed, action-driven, and results-oriented.

“Under his leadership and Renewed Hope Agenda, we have witnessed concrete transformations that impact our generation directly: Digital Empowerment for the Future and the tech cum skill training of the youths: Through the launch of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, young Nigerians are being equipped with cutting-edge digital skills in coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more.

“The Federal Ministry of Youth Development recently launched a free online academy for the Nigerian youth, called Nigerian Youth Academy – NiYA, to ensure that every youth acquires some skills, aside from educational qualifications. This administration understands that the future is digital – and Nigerian youth must not be left behind.

“The Return of the Student Loan Scheme Education is the bedrock of empowerment. President Tinubu’s reintroduction and expansion of the Student Loan Act provides equitable access to tertiary education for all, regardless of economic status. This is a landmark reform that prioritizes learning and lifts the burden off struggling families.

“Youth in Governance For the first time in many years, we are witnessing a federal cabinet and political appointments that reflect youth inclusion. Young people are not just voting; they are leading. From ministers to special advisers, DGs and Executive Secretaries of various parastatals, the President has demonstrated trust in the ability of Nigerian youth to lead and deliver. At this point, we want to specially thank our dear President for giving us a youthful and useful Minister of Youth Development – Comrade Engr. Ayodele Olawande.

“We wish to equally appreciate our beloved president for appointing some of our youths in various regional development commissions, especially for appointing Comrade Adodo Solomon as the FCT Rep in the North Central Development Commission.

“Creative and Sports Economy Development: Asiwaju understands the power of the creative and sports sectors as engines of youth employment. For the first time, a ministry of creative economy was created, and under Asiwaju’s watch the sports Commission has been reinvigorated and empowered.

“Support for Youth-Owned Businesses: With targeted initiatives like the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, the Presidential Palliative Loan Scheme, SME funds, and grants for young entrepreneurs, the Tinubu administration is not just preaching entrepreneurship – it is funding it. Youth-led businesses are now receiving critical lifelines.

“NYSC Revitalization and Skill Acquisition: The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been retooled to provide practical skill training, startup support, and stronger post-service integration, ensuring that our youth contribute meaningfully to nation-building. Under his watch, the allowance (allowee) of our Corps members has been increased.

“Local Government Autonomy: The local government is the closest tier of government to the masses. It is originally fashioned to be a political training ground for the youths to learn the rope of governance. With the autonomy of the local government signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian youths have been given a political leap to ensure that we get involved in governance.

“There are several other initiatives and policy-driven reformation being carried out by our dear President Asiwaju, which are too numerous to mention here.”