The Committee of Youth for Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) has launched a nationwide initiative to advance youth engagement, credible elections, and full local government autonomy in 2026.
The Director-General of CYMS, Chief Obinna Nwaka, said the organisation’s mandate focuses on policy development, youth empowerment, and the promotion of good governance across Nigeria.
He explained that CYMS initiatives aim to ensure young people are visible, actively engaged, and empowered at both grassroots and national levels.
“Democratic participation is a core focus, particularly as the year coincides with election activities, including the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections,” Nwaka said.
The organisation will work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen democratic values, observe electoral processes, and generate reports on youth participation.
Nwaka confirmed that CYMS has been accredited by INEC to participate in the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 21.
Beyond election observation, CYMS is expanding its focus from central Abuja to underserved communities within the FCT, ensuring marginalized areas receive attention and youth engagement opportunities.
As part of these efforts, CYMS will host a youth summit in Bwari Area Council on February 17 to address security awareness, youth welfare, governance, and empowerment.
The summit will bring together young people, government officials, and stakeholders, including the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, who will serve as Special Guest of Honour.
Nwaka noted that infrastructural and civil development projects underway in Bwari and surrounding communities, such as Ushafa, are improving local living conditions and reducing fear generated by past security concerns.
“The summit will allow participants from central Abuja to witness firsthand the development taking place and foster stronger ties between rural communities and the Federal Government,” he said.
On local government governance, Nwaka reaffirmed CYMS’ support for President Bola Tinubu’s focus on strengthening council administrations as a foundation for national development.
He advocated for direct funding of local government councils into the accounts of chairmen to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective use of resources.
In line with this, CYMS plans a two-day national conference on local government autonomy in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The conference will create awareness nationwide, promote advocacy for local government reforms, and encourage chairmen to take ownership of autonomy initiatives.
It will also address rural-urban migration by highlighting the benefits of decentralised opportunities and effective local governance to reduce youth migration pressures.
Nwaka revealed that anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, would participate in the conference to promote accountability among local government administrators.
He reaffirmed CYMS’ dedication to youth mobilisation, democratic deepening, and accountable governance, emphasizing that sustainable national development must start at the grassroots level.