Initiative targets young Nigerians at home and abroad, promotes peaceful participation and democratic responsibility
By Prosper Okoye
In a move to encourage greater youth participation in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) ambassador, Nigerian veterinarian and entrepreneur, Akpem Terese Shadrach, has launched a nationwide voter mobilisation campaign.
The campaign, tagged “Your Vote | Your Voice | Our Future,” seeks to encourage Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace their civic responsibilities by participating in the electoral process.
Shadrach, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vet Konect Ltd., unveiled the initiative following his appointment to an ambassadorial role by the NOA, which he says presents an opportunity to promote civic consciousness, national values and responsible citizenship.
The campaign will feature a 60-second video challenge, inviting Nigerians to record short messages declaring their commitment to voting in the 2027 general elections and supporting a peaceful electoral process.
It is designed to reach young Nigerians across the country’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the diaspora, using social media to expand public engagement and encourage conversations around democratic participation.
Beyond voter participation, the initiative seeks to promote political awareness, respect for democratic institutions and opposition to electoral violence.
Shadrach’s appointment comes as the NOA intensifies efforts to strengthen national identity, citizenship and shared values among Nigerians.
As an ambassador, he is expected to leverage his professional experience, entrepreneurial network and public engagement platforms to support the agency’s national orientation programmes.
He and his team at Vet Konect are collaborating with the agency, led by its Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, to advance key initiatives, including the National Values Charter and National Identity Project.
Describing his appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, Shadrach pledged to help extend the agency’s message to communities across the country, with particular emphasis on young Nigerians.
His professional engagements span veterinary medicine, livestock development and entrepreneurship. He has also participated in initiatives focused on expanding opportunities for young people and projecting Nigeria’s image internationally.
He called on youth organisations, student associations, entrepreneurs, professionals, civil society organisations and Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the video challenge and encourage others to take an active interest in the country’s democratic process.
Through the campaign, Shadrach hopes to promote a culture of informed civic participation and reinforce the importance of individual contributions to Nigeria’s democratic future.
