EKSU Law Student Champions Women, Youth Participation in Politics

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Miss Fatiha Olomide, a 500‑level law student at Ekiti State University, has urged greater involvement of women and young people in politics as preparations for the 2027 general election gain momentum across Nigeria.

Olomide, who convokes the Our Future is Now Project, made the appeal while outlining the group’s expanded advocacy agenda, which now seeks to empower youth and tackle social challenges that could shape Nigeria’s future.

The initiative was originally created as a platform to combat the rising number of out‑of‑school children. It has since broadened its focus to include women’s participation in governance and youth engagement in politics.

She said the urgency for young people and women to take active roles in leadership has increased as the country approaches another electoral cycle, noting that political inclusion is a key route to sustainable national development.

Olomide explained that the project now champions a campaign for more women in both appointive and elective positions, describing gender inclusion as essential for balanced, people‑centred governance.

“We cannot continue to complain about poor representation when we are not actively participating. Women must begin to take their rightful place in decision‑making spaces,” she said.

She also called on Nigerian youths to move beyond social media activism and to participate directly in politics, policy discussions and leadership processes at all levels.

“Our generation must stop seeing politics as a dirty game. If we stay away, we leave the future in the hands of people who may not represent our interests,” Olomide stated.

The student advocate added that the project now includes campaigns against prostitution and internet fraud among young people, arguing that such social vices threaten the future of Nigerian youth.

“We are committed to building a generation that is educated, responsible and politically conscious. The future truly belongs to us, and we must begin to prepare for it now,” she added.