The recent West African Leadership Summit and Conference, themed “From Protest to Policy: Transforming Youth Activism into Sustainable Governance Impact,” provided a critical platform for stakeholders to explore ways to harness the energy of youth activism into driving meaningful change. Comr. Nnalue Felix Attah, Executive Director of Humanities Welfare and Social Development Initiative, was a distinguished panellist, bringing a wealth of experience from his days as a student leader and protest commander.
Comr. Attah’s journey from campus activism to policy advocacy is a testament to the power of youth-led movements. His insights on leadership and ideology, shared alongside government appointees, underscored the importance of bridging the gap between protest and policy. As a former SUG leader at the University of Jos and NANS Senate President, his experiences offer valuable lessons for today’s youth activists.
The summit’s focus on transforming activism into sustainable governance impact is timely. Youth-led protests often highlight critical issues, but translating these concerns into policy requires strategic engagement with policymakers. Comr. Attah’s participation highlights the need for inclusive dialogue, where activists and leaders co-create solutions.
As Nigeria and West Africa grapple with governance challenges, initiatives like this summit are crucial. They remind us that activism is not an end in itself, but a catalyst for policy shifts. Kudos to Huwesdi Africa for spotlighting this imperative.
The way forward:
– Encourage youth-led organisations to engage policymakers
– Foster mentorship programs for young activists
– Institutionalise platforms for activist-policy maker dialogue
God bless the West African Region, and God bless Nigeria.
