Popular Nigerian Christian leader, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has urged young Nigerians to step up and play active roles that will sustain the nation’s democracy.
He recently appealed to Nigerian youths to seize every opportunity available to partake in reshaping the country’s future while they still can.
Speaking at the maiden edition of Auchi Youth Summit, organized by Auchi Youth Council, Edo State, Apostle Suleman revealed that the youths across Nigeria have the required strength to chart a new course for Nigeria, and they only need to realize the power they hold.
At the one-day summit themed “From Margins To Mainstream”, which went down at Uyi Grand Event Center in Etsako West LGA headquarters, Auchi on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the clergyman said that young Nigerians have the power to determine the direction of governance in the country, as long as they remain organized and united for the cause.
The General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide stated that the rapid growth of the youth population in Nigeria is proof that they will be mostly affected by government policies, hence the need for them to be more involved.
Emphasising the factors influencing youth participation in governance, Apostle Suleman reiterated the need for Nigerian youths to build vibrant political platforms that will attract fellow youths to engage politically.
“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,” he said.
Encouraging young Nigerians to keep fighting for the recognition they deserve, he disclosed that the theme of the simmit was both timely and prophetic.
“It’s time to seize the moment,” he continued, insisting that the world is developing at a fast pace, and a collective participation driven with the eagerness of the youths can deliver the change Nigeria needs.
He further noted that it is important for the ignored demographic to prove that they are not mere thugs who can only be used as instruments of violence during elections.
He concluded by saying that amid the persistent failed promises from several Nigerian leaders, the voices of young Nigerians cannot remain unheard.
“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 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.”
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,” he added.
