One of the outspoken Nigerian Christian leaders, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has tasked Nigerian youths to brace up and play active roles that will determine the sustainability of the nation’s democracy. Suleman’s call was the highlight of the maiden edition of Auchi Youth Summit organized by Auchi Youth Council, Edo State.
At the one-day summit themed ‘From Margins To Mainstream’, which held at Uyi Grand Event Center in Etsako West LGA headquarters, Auchi on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Apostle Suleman, who delivered the keynote address, admonished youths to make use of the opportunity at their disposal to participate in the reshaping of Nigeria’s democracy by using their strength to chart a new course for the country.
Noting that the youths have the capacity to be the plug that will determine the direction of governance if they are organized, the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide posited that the fast growth of the youth population in the country shows that state policies will have an impact on them and their future more than any other demography.
Highlighting the factors influencing youth participation in governance, Suleman recommended that there was the need for the youths to build strong political platforms which will serve as a pedestal to mobilize fellow youths for political engagement. “The political inclusion of the youths would, no doubt, ignite a movement that unites the citizens under a banner of empowerment, representation and change. This is particularly a call to action for the youths of Auchi,’ remarked the famous cleric.
Suleman noted that the theme of the summit’s first edition was not only prophetic, it’s also timely. He declared that the initiative spoke to the yearning of a generation that has waited too long to be recognized, respected, and properly represented. “It’s time to seize the moment,” he asserted, adding that the world is developing at a rapid pace and, therefore, the political, social, and economic dynamics are evolving at a pace that demands a collective participation driven with the eagerness of the youths.
Speaking to Auchi youths, Apostle Suleman recalled that, “despite the continuous shifts in hopes and promises, the voices of many young people remain marginalized and unheard. Today, we are yet to x-ray ways we can collectively empower the youths of Auchi to engage in politics and, above all, governance. We are standing on the edge of a new era. For too long, we have been spectators in the theater of our own destinies. For long, decisions have been made about you without your active involvement. But the time is over. The stone that the builders rejected will become the head of the corner. This is your responsibility and a season to take charge and set a new course not just for yourself but for generations yet unborn.”
Political inclusion: Political inclusion is not just a civic right. It is a responsibility. When godly visionary and principled youth enter the political space, they bring light into the dark places. They restore hope where there has been despair. Political inclusion does not start on election day. It starts with education, engagement, and empowerment. It starts with understanding your rights, history and heritage. It starts with unity, setting aside tribalism, envy, religion, apathy for the greater good of our community.”
In order to build the current democratic experiment on a sound foundation, Suleman charged that there is the need to work towards improving the youth participation in governance, both as active voters and leaders, urging them to facilitate legislation, sensitization and mobilization to promote their involvement in politics and change the narrative that youths are mere thugs, instruments of violence and anarchy. “Political inclusion is not merely a privilege. It’s right. Is the bedrock of a democratic society where every youth has the opportunity to participate in shaping the policies that govern our lives. For the youth of Auchi, political inclusion means having a voice in local governance, being represented in legislative bodies, and playing a role in the decision making process. Simply put, our youths are not too young to aspire for positions of authority.
