A youth focused civic and digital empowerment initiative, Garkuwa Youth Initiative for Development, has trained 20 young people from across Yobe State as Youth Leaders and Voter Registration Ambassadors, leveraging technology and structured civic learning to deepen democratic participation at the grassroots. The training, tagged Youth Civic Clinic Cohort One, was held on Saturday January 17, 2026, in Damaturu.
The participants were selected through a highly competitive process that saw 142 applications submitted within 48 hours. Only 20 youths were eventually chosen based on leadership potential, commitment to community service, and readiness to drive civic action both offline and through digital platforms. Organisers described the turnout as a clear signal of growing youth interest in civic leadership and technology enabled participation.
The full day in person clinic ran from morning until 5 pm and focused on youth leadership, active citizenship, ethical values, and the evolving role of young people as civic and voter registration ambassadors. Unlike conventional sensitisation programmes, the clinic emphasised practical skills, confidence building, and long term engagement, positioning participants to use digital tools and community networks to spread accurate civic information.
Sessions were facilitated by development and civic education professionals. Ahmed Mohammed Bello led discussions on youth leadership and active citizenship, while Haruna Godiya of LEAP Africa guided participants on leadership competencies, programme design, and youth led civic engagement. A dedicated accountability session was handled by Mu’azu Alhaji Modu, who focused on transparency and responsible participation in democratic processes.
Beyond the physical training, the programme integrates technology driven follow up through four weekly virtual learning and coaching sessions. These sessions will cover leadership and mobilisation skills, conflict sensitive civic engagement, and step by step guidance on Continuous Voter Registration and voter data updates, preparing participants to operate effectively as ambassadors both online and within their communities.
Participants are also required to carry out community micro campaigns lasting between four and eight weeks, targeting campuses, wards, youth gatherings, and digital spaces. Performance will be assessed based on reach, quality of engagement, and commitment, with a fifty thousand naira cash prize set aside for the best performing youth civic campaigner.
The initiative is implemented by Garkuwa Youth Initiative for Development in partnership with Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability, as part of broader efforts to strengthen youth led civic education in Yobe State. GYID, a Damaturu based non governmental organisation, focuses on equipping young Nigerians with digital, civic, and leadership skills for governance and community development, aligning its work with the Sustainable Development Goals on education, active citizenship, and strong institutions.