The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by supporting initiatives aimed at empowering young people in politics and governance.
One such initiative is the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme, which funds Yiaga Africa’s Constituency Office Internship Programme.
The three-month internship, which began in December 2024 and is set to conclude in February 2025, provides young Nigerians with hands-on experience in legislative processes and constituency engagement.
Speaking on the EU’s motivation for supporting the programme, Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the role of young people in sustaining democracy.
“Young people play a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic development by actively participating in electoral and governance processes. By placing interns in lawmakers’ constituency offices, this programme allows them to understand legislative functions, contribute to policy discussions, and engage directly with political leaders,” he stated.
Vergos further stressed the importance of ethical leadership and active civic engagement, urging young Nigerians to seize opportunities to influence governance rather than merely criticizing democracy.
Yetunde Bakare, Programme Manager at Yiaga Africa, highlighted how the internship fosters youth participation in governance.
“The Constituency Office Internship Programme ensures that young people are not just spectators but active participants in shaping policies that affect their lives. This initiative strengthens the relationship between lawmakers and their constituents,” she said.
Bakare also expressed gratitude to the EU for its continuous support, which enables Yiaga Africa to deploy young Nigerians to legislative offices.
For participants, the programme has been a transformative experience. Olaiya Oluwadamilola, one of the interns, shared how it has shaped both her professional and personal growth.
“This internship has not only improved my communication skills and confidence but has also inspired me to give back to my community and consider a career in politics,” she said.
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Another intern, Salihu Gode, praised the EU’s dedication to inclusive governance and mentorship, which she believes is crucial for her future political ambitions.
“With the knowledge I’ve gained, I feel equipped to drive meaningful change in my community and contribute to Nigeria’s democratic progress,” she noted.
Gode also reaffirmed her commitment to empowering women and increasing female participation in politics—an area the EU actively supports.
As the internship programme continues, stakeholders hope it will create a new generation of young leaders dedicated to ethical governance and civic responsibility.