EU Backs Young Nigerians in Politics Again

On Saturday, the European Union (EU) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young Nigerians in politics, focusing on programs that help build their skills and knowledge in governance. 

This support is part of the EU’s broader effort to strengthen democracy in Nigeria and encourage the active involvement of youth in the country’s political processes.

The EU, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme, is backing Yiaga Africa’s Constituency Office Internship Programme. This three-month initiative, which began in December 2024 and will run through February 2025, offers young people an opportunity to get hands-on experience in legislative work. 

Participants in the programme work in constituency offices, learning about how the government connects with the people it serves.

The EU’s Deputy Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, shared that the EU sees a strong democracy as one where leaders are responsible and citizens are actively engaged. 

He emphasized that young people play an important role in developing Nigeria’s democracy. By participating in elections and helping to shape policies, youth can contribute to free, fair, and credible elections. Vergos also mentioned that the internship programme gives young Nigerians a chance to understand the workings of government, engage with lawmakers, and participate in policy discussions.

The importance of giving young people the opportunity to take part in governance is something the EU strongly believes in. Vergos added that the time for making excuses is over, and it’s essential to act ethically to ensure democracy remains strong. 

He encouraged youth to focus on making responsible decisions and taking active roles in shaping the country’s future.

Yiaga Africa’s Programme Manager, Yetunde Bakarei, highlighted the impact the programme has had on fostering youth participation in the democratic process. She thanked the EU for its ongoing support, which allows Yiaga Africa to deploy young interns to work with lawmakers and contribute to meaningful policy changes. Without the EU’s backing, these opportunities would not be possible, she said.

One of the interns, Olaiya Oluwadamilola, shared her personal experience, explaining how the programme has helped her develop communication skills, boosted her confidence, and inspired her to pursue a career in politics. She also expressed her commitment to giving back to her community through the knowledge she gained.

Another intern, Salihu Gode, praised the EU for its focus on inclusive governance and emphasized how important mentorship is for her development. Gode believes that with the skills and experience she has gained, she is ready to contribute to Nigeria’s democratic growth and support the empowerment of women in politics—an area the EU also actively supports.

This programme not only helps to prepare young Nigerians for leadership roles but also strengthens the connection between lawmakers and the communities they serve. With the EU’s continued support, more young people will have the chance to shape Nigeria’s political future.