In a passionate call to action, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has urged Nigerian youth to shift from being passive observers to active participants in the country’s political development. Speaking at a Democracy Day lecture in Abuja on Thursday, Uzodimma emphasized that democracy is not just about institutions but about the active engagement of its citizens—particularly the younger generation.
“You must see yourselves as participants, not mere spectators. You inherited the right earned in 1993. Now, it’s time to inherit the responsibility,” he stated. “Change comes from active participation, not from passivity. Political will is key.”
Uzodimma highlighted that no constitution, however perfect, can withstand manipulation without principled actors at its core. He stressed that critical decisions during political transitions must be made in the public interest, underscoring that not all choices will be popular, but they must always be defensible for the stability of the nation.
The governor also praised the leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that it exemplified a delicate balance of strength and wisdom, holding institutions accountable without weakening them. “This is the spirit behind the renewed hope agenda,” Uzodimma explained, referring to policies like the removal of fuel subsidies, which he said, while challenging, had fostered competition in the energy sector, stabilized prices, and redirected public funds toward infrastructure and education.
As Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Uzodimma acknowledged the Nigerian Education Loan Fund’s expanding role in making higher education accessible to students, regardless of their financial background. “These efforts show that the government is serious about delivering tangible results that will be felt and sustained by the people,” he said.
Addressing the significance of June 12 in Nigerian political history, Uzodimma reminded his audience that the day marked the moment when Nigerians made a collective choice for leadership—one that was met with systemic resistance. The government’s recognition of June 12, he noted, was more than a symbolic gesture. “It corrected the record. It restored the name of Chief MKO Abiola to its rightful place in our political history,” he asserted.
Uzodimma concluded his address by stressing the need for continuous citizen involvement beyond election day. He called on the media, courts, and all political actors to uphold their duties without fear or favour. “This is how democracy becomes not just a ceremony, but a culture, sustained through consistent practice,” he said.
In a nation still grappling with its democratic identity, Uzodimma’s message was clear: for democracy to thrive, Nigerians, especially the youth, must take up their roles as participants, not bystanders.