The Yiaga Africa has called for broader leadership roles for youths and for young people to be placed at the heart of governance and democratic processes in the continent.
The Yiaga Africa Director of Programmes, Cynthia Mbamalu, made the call at the West Africa Regional 10th Community Organising Institute (COI) 2025.
She said that the three-day training, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), brought together 30 participants from across West Africa, selected from over 700 applicants, all aged 30 and under.
Mbamalu said Africa’s demographic reality demands youth-centred leadership and which must be prioritised.
According to her, Nigeria’s median age is 18, with many West African nations recording similar figures.
Mbamalu noted: “We cannot have any conversation on democracy and governance without youth at the centre. The initiative targets young leaders already active in their communities, whether in politics, education, or grassroots organising.
“It aims to build their capacity to drive change, demand accountability, and mobilise local resources.”
Mbamalu said the programme focuses on values-based leadership, community engagement, and practical advocacy skills.
She added that after the workshop, participants are expected to design and implement initiatives in their home communities.
Almamy Koroma, a delegate from Sierra Leone, said the training is a wonderful opportunity to inspire youth to take ownership of developmental strides for the betterment of the continent.
Also, Sierra Leone-born participant, Ibrahim Serayjah, said that the workshop is a stepping stone to a political career and goal to lead his people in future.
On his part, YIAGA Africa’s Programme Coordinator, Ibrahim Faruk, believed that the training offers something Nigeria’s political culture sorely needs.
He said, “Leadership is not only positional. It’s taking responsibility to solve problems without waiting for a title.”
Speaking, Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, who spoke on “Organising as Leadership Practice: People, Power and Change”, COI is all about building leaders who organize, inspire, and transform their communities.
He stressed that the 2025 cohort steps into a 10+ year legacy of carrying the vision and mission to sharpen the skills and deepen the commitment of young leaders for West Africa, the Continent and globally.
Itodo stated: “The future of our nation truly lies in the hands of this bold, visionary generation.
“At the second edition of our Gen-Z Democratic Innovation Lab, Abuja, young changemakers transformed powerful ideas into real action, each team tackling one of six key citizens’ demands for electoral reform.
“From concept to prototype, they’ve shown what true democratic innovation looks like. We’re excited and can’t wait to see these projects take flight.”