How Okwuehi Ogboi’s transition into public service is a blueprint for youth participation

Weeks after the 2023 general elections, the conversation about youth participation continues to be hotly debated. For a growing economy – with high unemployment and underemployment rates, many citizens might not perceive political participation as a priority, especially as it competes against more pressing personal concerns for young people, such as poverty, hunger, crime and corruption. Still, there is a growing need for young Nigerians to become more involved in the political process to deliver innovative solutions to the country’s long-standing problems.

As an entrepreneur, investor and culture enthusiast, Okwuehi Ogboi’s journey into public service and his deliberate focus on community development and improving human capacity have been well-recognised. Apart from his position as the general manager of EHI Consulting, a business that drew investors from within and outside Nigeria, he also launched personal projects such as a soccer tournament in Lagos State for less privileged children, provides relief materials for homeless children, and pays the entrance exam fees and stationeries for students in his community, Owa-Oyibu, Ika North East, Edo State.

Despite the success recorded in the private sector, Okwuehi felt that the work was ultimately unsatisfactory and that more could be achieved. Fortunately, that decision was sealed with an invitation to serve as the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties under former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration in 2015, where he had extensive opportunities to work closely with other policy-makers to develop and implement economic policies that helped promote investment and foster private sector development that created jobs and built an inclusive economy.

“Under different administrations, young people have consistently demonstrated the potential to build bridges across communities, working together, helping to manage conflict and promote peace”, Okwuehi said. “Interestingly, never before have many young people been more involved in movements for change – in whatever way anyone chooses to define it. First, everyone has a role in many aspects, even beyond politics. Secondly, the world has evolved in such an amazing way that, obviously, any young, compassionate person can make an impact by committing themselves to addressing any major issue in their communities – with at little to no experience or funds”.

What does it mean to get involved? Formal and informal engagement can be understood as political participation, and both benefit a vivid and resilient democracy. But opportunities for the youths to engage in governance and participate in political and decision-making processes depend largely on the political, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts. For instance, in African countries and many other democracies, social norms have resulted in multiple forms of discrimination against young men and women. With limited opportunities and exposure to meaningfully participate in inclusive decision-making processes, they feel excluded and marginalised in their societies and communities.

For the former Senior Special Assistant, the ability to combine his business experience, cross-industry relationships and management skills with public service expanded the previous administration’s goal of improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) while also identifying the high-level corporate partners and implementing projects that have been confirmed to improve lives through community engagement, research and analysis.

“When younger citizens continue to participate and record impact, the level of participation will continue to improve as the youth population grows, and the years of experience in both the private and public sectors will enhance their understanding of how things work,” he stated. “Since the Arab Spring, many young people – especially across Africa, Asia, and North America region have remained politically active, especially through online social networks and taking to the streets to express their voices and campaign for change. But now, it’s all about getting a seat at the table”.

Several studies confirm that people who are more involved in their local communities from the beginning are more likely to become committed voters and citizens. By applying professional ethics and etiquette, their participation will further encourage and promote meaningful and engaging debating as youths raise their voices with other youth organizations to foster change and action through representation.

The current trend is worrisome, but the noise might be exciting in certain circles. Of the 15,336 candidates that appeared on the ballot in the 2023 general elections, 4,398 are youth candidates. In addition, 1,899 of these figures are between 25 – 30 years. Youth candidacy records declined from 34% in the 2019 election to 28.6% in the 2023 elections, even as 48m out of 93.5m eligible voters are youths. Engagement appeared strong before the election, particularly among the young people who comprised more than 70 per cent of 9 million plus new voters added to the register before 2023. On the other hand, turnout overall was just 27 per cent, a record low.

Nevertheless, the achievements of Okwuehi Ogboi and some young ‘politicos’ in the past four to eight years demonstrate youth participation’s immense potential and power in Nigerian politics. However, the road to increased youth involvement in governance and public service has challenges that must be addressed. Firstly, there is a lack of understanding and appreciation for the value of youth participation in governance. Many older individuals in positions of power resist change and have a hard time accepting new ideas from young people. Secondly, there is a need for young Nigerians to be more involved in the political process, and that requires a deep understanding of the political system and the willingness to learn and engage with older individuals in the political process.

In conclusion, Okwuehi’s remarkable journey demonstrates that Nigerian youths can make a significant difference in politics and public service. It shows that young Nigerians can harness their talents, skills, and knowledge to drive progress, innovation and shape the country’s future.