***Announce ‘100 Heroes of Democracy Awards’
It was a moment of reflection, unity, and bold declaration on Friday as hundreds of young leaders from across Nigeria gathered for the 1st All Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference, hosted by the Nigeria Youth Coalition (NYC) in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Emboldening a New Nigeria of Our Dream,” celebrated the enduring legacy of environmentalist and human rights icon Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa, GCON, whose death 30 years ago remains a symbol of courage and conviction in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Held at the Federal Ministry of Environment Auditorium, Maitama, the event drew representatives of over 700 ethnic nationality youth groups, alongside traditional rulers, political leaders, and civil society advocates.
In a moving tribute, NYC described Saro-Wiwa as “a conscience of the nation whose voice for justice can never be silenced.” The youth leaders observed a minute’s silence in his memory and pledged to uphold his ideals of fairness, equity, and environmental responsibility.
The conference also marked a major political statement, as the delegates endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for a second term in 2027, citing his resilience, reform initiatives, and long record of democratic struggle.
“President Tinubu embodies the spirit of Nigeria’s democracy — the same spirit Saro-Wiwa died for,” the communiqué declared.
Beyond endorsement, the coalition unveiled a set of bold policy demands, including an increase in Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) allocations to oil-producing communities from 3% to 30%, reduction of fuel price to ₦200 per litre, and creation of a Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs.
The group also called for a single seven-year tenure for elective offices to reduce the cost of elections, and urged greater investment in education, youth development, and traditional institutions.
“This generation will not be silent while poverty and inequality grow,” the youth leaders declared. “We demand reforms that prioritize people over politics.”
As part of the conference, NYC unveiled the “100 Heroes of Democracy Awards”, honouring Nigerians who have contributed to national unity and democratic progress.
Top among the honourees were, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR – Maverick Hero of Democracy. Sir Siminalayi Fubara, FCA – Legend of Democracy Hero Award. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR. Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR and Posthumous Award: Ken Saro-Wiwa – Doyen of Democracy Hero Award
The youth coalition also used the platform to condemn recent calls for military intervention in governance, describing them as “an affront to the sacrifices of heroes past.”
“Never again shall the sound of military boots echo in our politics,” the statement warned. “Nigeria’s democracy is our collective heritage — we will defend it.”
In his closing remarks, Aare Oladotun Hassan, Esq., Convener of the Conference and President of the Nigeria Youth Coalition, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to working with government and institutions to strengthen democracy, promote peace, and empower young Nigerians.
“Ken Saro-Wiwa lives on — in every young Nigerian who refuses to give up on this country,” Hassan said. “The future belongs to those who build, not those who destroy.”