By PALANG KASMI
More than 70 youth in Plateau State have been trained on responsible political participation and leadership as Mulapnen Capacity Building Initiative, MUCABI, launched the Ali Bukar Dalori Youth in Politics (YIP) Fellowship ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The fellowship, unveiled during a Democracy Day mentorship programme in Jos, is designed to equip young Nigerians interested in politics, governance and public service with leadership values, civic knowledge and practical skills for democratic participation.
The one-day training, organised by MUCABI in partnership with Stonewall Child Support and Development, SCSD, brought together youth leaders, civil society actors, political stakeholders and governance advocates under the theme, “Democracy, Youth Participation and the Future of Political Leadership.”
Speaking on the initiative, Chairman of the Governing Council of MUCABI, Prof. Plangsat Dayil, represented by Mrs. Palang Kasmi, said the fellowship was conceived to address the limited opportunities available to young people seeking constructive engagement in politics.
She said the programme was named after the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt. Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, in recognition of what she described as his journey from grassroots politics to national leadership.
According to her, the fellowship seeks to build a new generation of politically conscious and ethically grounded leaders while reducing youth involvement in electoral violence and political manipulation.
“We hope that the initiative will establish a mentorship network connecting emerging youth leaders with experienced public servants, political actors and community leaders across Plateau State and beyond,” she said.
Dayil disclosed that applications for the first cohort would open shortly after the launch, adding that organisers plan to expand the programme beyond Plateau State to other parts of the country.
Delivering the keynote address, rights activist and President of the University of Jos Alumni Association, Dr. Peter Gad Shamaki, challenged young Nigerians to reject political apathy and become active participants in shaping the country’s future.
He criticised what he described as persistent governance failures, corruption, insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship, urging youth to channel their frustrations through democratic participation.
“The Nigeria we want is the country where you don’t have to be the son or daughter of a big man for you to succeed. But to make things work in the country, you have a role to play,” he said.
Shamaki urged young people to use the ballot as an instrument of accountability.
“If you are angry with the insecurity and incessant attacks that are killing people in Nigeria, let your voters card speak loudly for you.
“If you are angry about joblessness in Nigeria and any other issue, let your voters card speak for you, and let that anger bring about the change you are looking for,” he added.
Also speaking, Executive Director of MUCABI, Nicodemus Samson Beska, said youth participation remains critical to Nigeria’s democratic future because young people constitute a significant proportion of the country’s population.
He urged participants to reject vote-buying, political violence and intimidation, and instead embrace civic responsibility and ethical leadership.
“When youth show up, policies change. Politicians listen to voters. You can use your voice and your voters card to change the political culture,” he said.
The Executive Director of Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse, Jacob Pwakim, identified youth apathy as one of the major obstacles to democratic growth and sustainable development.
He urged participants to embrace accountability and engage constructively in governance and public affairs.
In separate remarks, Leader of the Jos South Legislative Council, Hon. David Emmanuel; Executive Director of SCSD, Mrs. Nenfotmua Goyol Matawal; and former House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, represented by Hon. Simon Bonzi Dung, encouraged youth to take active roles in politics and community development.
The event also featured panel discussions on youth participation in governance, electoral responsibility and leadership development.
Highlights included the unveiling of the Ali Bukar Dalori YIP Fellowship and training manual by legal practitioner Barr. Beatrice C.J. Dakas, as well as the presentation of the Ali Bukar Dalori YIP Ambassador Award to Hon. David Emanuel for what organisers described as his positive political engagement and leadership.