The Mulapnen Capacity Building Initiative (MUCABI) has launched the Ali Bukar Dalori Youth in Politics (YIP) Fellowship Programme in Jos, Plateau State, with a call on young Nigerians to actively participate in politics and democratic governance to shape the future of the country.
The fellowship programme, unveiled on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, at Pastoral Center in Jos, on Friday, is designed to mentor and equip young people with leadership skills, civic knowledge, and practical experience necessary for responsible participation in politics, governance, and public service.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chairman of MUCABI’s Governing Council, Prof. Plangsat Dayil, and other board members, Mrs. Palang Kasmi said the initiative was conceived to bridge the widening gap between young people and Nigeria’s political process.
She explained that the programme was named after Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori, National Deputy Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in recognition of his political journey from the grassroots to national prominence.
According to Kasmi, the fellowship seeks to promote civic engagement, ethical leadership, policy advocacy, democratic values, and peaceful political participation among youths.
“The choice of Democracy Day for this launch reflects our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture, promoting youth inclusion, and encouraging active citizenship,” he said.
She disclosed that the programme would establish mentorship networks linking emerging youth leaders with experienced politicians, public servants, and community leaders across Plateau State and beyond.
Kasmi further noted that participants would receive training on conflict prevention, electoral peacebuilding, and strategies to reduce youth involvement in political violence, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She also revealed plans to expand the fellowship to other geopolitical zones of the country and announced that applications for the first cohort would commence shortly after the official launch.
Nigeria’s Leadership Challenges
Speaking at the event, activist and President of the University of Jos Alumni Association, Dr. Peter Gad Shamaki, lamented the decline in governance standards and opportunities available to ordinary Nigerians.
He recalled periods in the country’s history when graduates secured employment easily and public services functioned effectively, stressing that Nigeria’s current challenges stem largely from poor leadership and systemic inequalities.
Dr. Shamaki urged young people to reject political manipulation and become agents of positive change.
“If you are angry with the system, don’t be part of the problem. Be part of the solution. Go with your conviction and what you believe will change the situation,” he advised.
He also challenged youths to embrace integrity, hard work, innovation, and respect for vulnerable groups while addressing issues of marginalisation and injustice across the country.
Democracy Requires Active Participation
Also speaking, the Leader of the Jos South Legislative Council and Councillor representing Hwolshe Ward, Hon. David Emanuel, said democracy can only succeed when citizens actively participate in governance and hold elected officials accountable.
He noted that many political leaders abandon their campaign promises after elections because citizens often fail to demand accountability.
“There is hope for Nigeria if young people get involved in politics, engage leaders, and ensure that campaign promises are fulfilled,” he said.
Youths Must Build Democracy
In a presentation titled “Individual Aspiration Toward Building a Strong Democratic Space,” the Executive Director of MUCABI, Nicodemus Samson Beska, challenged young people to move from political apathy to active participation.
He argued that while democratic institutions such as the Constitution, the electoral commission, the legislature, and the judiciary exist, public trust remains low due to poor citizen engagement.
Beska described individual democratic aspiration as the belief that every citizen’s voice, vote, and conduct can shape Nigeria’s future. He urged youths to educate themselves about governance, engage ethically in politics, reject vote-buying and violence, and mentor younger generations.
“Democracy is not given; it is built. And it is built one person at a time,” he stated.
Youths Encouraged to Make a Difference
The Executive Director of Strongwall and co-organiser of the event, Mrs. Nenfotmua Goyol Matawal, encouraged participants to contribute positively to national development regardless of how small their efforts may seem.
“Light your little corner; you can change Nigeria,” she told the youths.
Similarly, former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, represented by Hon. Simon Bonzi Dung, urged young Nigerians to participate actively in politics rather than remaining spectators.
He expressed concern that although youths constitute the majority of voters during elections, many fail to use their voting power to reject corrupt leaders and poor governance. Bagos encouraged young people to join political parties early and build their political careers through dedication and service.
Fellowship Officially Launched
The fellowship programme was formally launched by politician and legal practitioner, Barr. Beatrice C.J. Dakas, alongside other special guests.
Dakas emphasised that increased youth participation in politics would lead to better representation and national development.
She encouraged aspiring young politicians to engage constructively in governance and become catalysts for positive change in Nigeria.
The event also featured panel discussions where participants examined practical ways youths can participate productively in politics and contribute to strengthening democratic governance in the country.
The fellowship, themed “Democracy, Youth Participation and the Future of Political Leadership,” is expected to serve as a platform for nurturing a new generation of ethical and visionary leaders committed to democratic development in Nigeria.
