Ameliorators International Initiative Commemorates International Day of Democracy with Youth Dialogue on AI, Governance

Ameliorators International Initiative joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Democracy by convening a youth-focused dialogue in Ilorin, Kwara State, on 20 September 2025 under the theme “AI-Powered Democracy: The Citizens’ Voice in the Digital Age.”

The event brought together 25 young participants, including 9 females, with over 60 percent identified as first-time eligible voters ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Also in attendance were student leaders from higher institutions across Kwara State, representing an important constituency of young people who play a pivotal role in shaping civic engagement on campuses.

The keynote presentation on the theme was delivered by Comrade Tajudeen Habeeb, a seasoned governance and civic-tech advocate with extensive experience in public policy, research, and youth mobilization. A former CivicHive fellow, Habeeb has led initiatives aimed at strengthening electoral participation, advancing voter education, and promoting digital tools for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s democracy. In his remarks, he emphasized the urgent need for young Nigerians to embrace both their civic responsibilities and the opportunities provided by digital technologies in shaping governance.

Highlights of the program included a panel discussion on the intersection of AI and democracy, practical sessions on voter registration and digital citizenship, and a “Commitment Circle” in which participants pledged to sensitize peers in their communities, extending the immediate impact of the event to more than 125 additional youth.

Speaking at the commemoration, Ahmed Ishowo Yakub, Executive Director of Ameliorators International Initiative, emphasized the importance of youth inclusion in governance, stating:
“The sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy depends on young citizens being empowered to use their voices responsibly. By merging civic education with technology, we are preparing a new generation to shape governance with accountability and innovation.”

The initiative contributes to national and global priorities on youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and democratic strengthening, while also aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Ameliorators International Initiative calls for stronger partnerships with development actors, donor agencies, and civil society organizations to scale this youth democracy engagement into a nationwide program ahead of the 2027 elections.

Yusuf Mutiu Olaitan.
Media and communication officer,
Ameliorators international initiative.

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