…Commissioners from APC-governed states unite to drive youth inclusion, digital empowerment, and political participation nationwide
By Douglas Princemola
The Progressive Youth Commissioners Forum has unveiled Project 12 Million Youth Votes, a landmark initiative aimed at mobilizing young Nigerians across the country to support the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The unveiling took place in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, during the Quarterly Strategy Meeting of Honourable Commissioners for Youth Development from APC-governed states. The meeting, which was held from November 6 to 7, 2025, brought together youth commissioners, policymakers, and representatives of the Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, for two days of strategic discussions on youth policy, innovation, and political engagement.
The event was hosted by the Imo State Government under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, PhD. The theme of the meeting, FG–PGF Youth Policy Synergy: Harmonizing State-Level Actions with the Renewed Hope Agenda, reflected a shared vision to align youth development policies across APC states with the national priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
Speaking during the meeting, participants described Project 12 Million Youth Votes as a powerful youth-driven effort to build political awareness, unity, and empowerment. They explained that the initiative would rely on grassroots mobilization, digital engagement, civic education, and leadership training to secure at least 12 million youth votes for the APC and President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Throughout the two-day session, the commissioners held technical presentations, peer learning sessions, and group deliberations on topics such as digital innovation, youth employment, and public-private partnerships. They agreed that creating economic and leadership opportunities for young people remains essential to sustainable development and peacebuilding.
In their communiqué, the commissioners expressed appreciation to the Progressive Governors for their leadership in promoting youth empowerment and inclusion. They described the governors as leaders who have transformed youth development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and digital governance across the country.
The communiqué also detailed several key resolutions. The commissioners committed to domesticating the Youth Component of the Renewed Hope Agenda in all APC states, aligning policies with the President’s strategy for job creation and innovation. They resolved to expand access to the digital economy by setting up innovation hubs, digital training centres, and start-up incubation platforms in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and private sector partners.
They further agreed that youth empowerment should be integrated into state security strategies as a tool for reducing unemployment, restiveness, and crime. Vocational training, sports development, and entrepreneurship were identified as key areas of focus. The forum also resolved to develop public-private partnership frameworks to attract private investment into youth entrepreneurship, sports, and digital innovation to make youth programmes more sustainable and less dependent on public funding.
Another major resolution was the establishment of a Joint Technical Working Group to harmonize youth-focused policies, share successful models, and ensure effective coordination between the federal and state governments. The commissioners also pledged to establish Youth Leadership Academies, mentorship initiatives, and civic engagement platforms to prepare young Nigerians for leadership roles and strengthen their participation in governance.
Governor Hope Uzodimma was honoured with the title of Pan-Nigerian Youth Governor for his leadership and support for youth development. The commissioners described him as a national figure committed to empowering the next generation.
The Progressive Governors Forum Secretariat, led by its Director General, Folorunso S. Aluko, received commendation for promoting collaboration and innovation among APC-governed states. The commissioners praised the Secretariat for its continued coordination and support.
The communiqué was signed by the following Honourable Commissioners for Youth Development from APC-governed states:
Sagir Musa Ahmed, Jigawa State
Hon. Adamu Inuwa Ibrahim, Gombe State
Barr. Odum-Ijom Ukam, Cross River State
Hon. Engr. Mustapha Mohammed, Sokoto State
Hon. Richard U. Idike, Ebonyi State
Hon. Mobolaji A. Ogunlende, Lagos State
Hon. Dr. Emeka Mandela, Imo State
Hon. Barr. Trakiriowei Harry T. H., Delta State
Hon. Segun Omoyofunmi, Ondo State
Hon. Barr. Gloria Ibrahim, Kaduna State
Hon. Aliyu Lawal Zakari, Katsina State
Comr. Nuruddeen Bala, Kebbi State
Hon. Alfred Kemepado, Bayelsa State
Hon. Imojime Tiza, Benue State
Hon. Charity Uyimwen Amayaenvbo, Edo State
Hon. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, Enugu State
Permanent Secretary (Representative), Yobe State Ministry of Youth Development
Folorunso S. Aluko, Director General, Progressive Governors Forum (PGF)
Amb. Ndanusa Usman Shehu, Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Kwara State
The commissioners collectively expressed optimism that through Project 12 Million Youth Votes and the Renewed Hope Agenda, young Nigerians will continue to shape the nation’s political and economic future. They said the initiative would unite youths across party lines and give them a stronger voice in governance, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
The meeting concluded with an agreement that the next Quarterly Strategy Meeting of the Progressive Youth Commissioners Forum will take place in the first quarter of 2026, with the venue to be announced later by the PGF Secretariat.
In their closing remarks, the commissioners reaffirmed that Nigerian youths remain the driving force of national development and the foundation of democracy. They noted that the success of Project 12 Million Youth Votes would not only secure political participation but also create a legacy of inclusion, innovation, and progress for generations to come.
The communiqué ended with a united pledge from all participating commissioners to work together in advancing youth development, promoting peace, and strengthening democracy across Nigeria.
