BENIN CITY — The Benin Youth Leaders Forum (BYLF), in collaboration with Youth Advocacy for Change, has called for greater and more meaningful participation of Nigerian youths in governance, democratic processes and community development, declaring that young people must no longer remain spectators in the affairs of the nation.
President of BYLF and Chairman of Youth Advocacy for Change, Pastor Prince Orobosa Omorede, made the call on Tuesday, at a press conference in Benin City, Edo State, where he unveiled the Forum’s advocacy priorities and appealed for constructive engagement between young Nigerians and government.
Omorede, who was elected President of BYLF on July 31, 2026, said the organisation, a duly registered Incorporated Trustee and NGO with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and an affiliate of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum, was committed to youth empowerment, responsible leadership, peace, good governance, cultural preservation, a crime-free society and sustainable community development.
He said Nigeria was at an important point in its democratic journey, noting that young Nigerians were expressing concerns over economic pressures, employment opportunities, security, governance and their future.
He, however, stressed that the Forum’s response was not one of confrontation or division, but a call for responsibility, constructive engagement and collective action.
“If we want government to listen to young people, young people must also be prepared to engage government constructively.
“If we demand good governance, we must participate meaningfully in the democratic process. And if we desire responsible leadership, we must be prepared to contribute to producing, supporting and holding leaders accountable,” Omorede said.
He declared: “The youth must not remain spectators in the affairs of Nigeria. We must become active participants in shaping the Nigeria we desire.”
Omorede also emphasised the Forum’s non-partisan and inclusive character, saying its advocacy transcended political, religious and ethnic divides.
According to him, political differences should not destroy national unity, while religious and ethnic sentiments should not weaken the collective identity of Nigerians.
He further declared that “no youth is a failure,” arguing that young people possess significant potential that can be converted into productivity, innovation and leadership when supported through education, mentorship, skills development and appropriate opportunities.
On governance, the BYLF President advocated a system that is people-centred, transparent, accountable, inclusive and responsive, insisting that youths should not be viewed merely as participants in political rallies or mobilisation.
“The youths are not merely leaders of tomorrow. We are stakeholders and leaders of today,” he said.
He called for meaningful youth inclusion in governance and decision-making, alongside sustainable employment, entrepreneurship, education, skills development and economic opportunities.
Omorede also urged young Nigerians to participate responsibly in the democratic process, engage peacefully, understand public issues, ask questions and hold leaders accountable.
He said the Forum would continue to engage government constructively, support initiatives that serve the public interest and advocate practical solutions where challenges exist.
“We are not seeking confrontation. We are seeking inclusion. We are not seeking division. We are seeking unity,” he said.
He added: “Empower the youth, and you empower the nation. Include the youth, and you strengthen democracy. Give the youth a voice, and you give the nation a future.”
The Forum also reaffirmed its commitment to peace, youth empowerment, democratic participation, good governance, accountability, cultural preservation, community development and responsible citizenship.