FENRAD Urges End to Youth Profiling in Southeast, Calls for Purposeful Non-Violent Civic Engagement

September 28, 2025

Youth as Catalysts for Change

Nwafor reminded participants that over 60% of Nigeria’s population is under 35, describing this demographic as a national asset rather than a liability. He urged policymakers, civil society, and security institutions to stop seeing youths as threats and instead integrate them into governance structures.

Rejecting Violence, Embracing Dialogue

The FENRAD director noted that while constitutional rights guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, genuine civic transformation requires building platforms, training, and mentorship opportunities for young people.

A Shared Responsibility

Nwafor emphasized that reversing negative narratives requires joint responsibility from government, civil society, traditional leaders, and the media. He called for investment in leadership training, digital literacy, and safe spaces for youths to contribute ideas.

Call to Action

Closing his keynote, Nwafor urged Southeast youths not to wait for permission to lead:

“Let us be known not for what we oppose, but for what we build. Let the Southeast stand as a beacon — not of violence, but of vision. Not of chaos, but of creativity. Not of despair, but of determined civic action.”

The sensitization programme, held in Umuahia, brought together youth leaders, CSOs, government officials, and the media. It aimed to reshape narratives around Southeast youths and promote peaceful civic participation.

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FULL KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Keynote Address by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director, FENRAD CSO
Title: Empowering the Youth for a Purposeful Non-Violent Civil Engagement
Venue: Umuahia, Abia State
Date: 23rd September 2025

Protocol

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development,

Representatives of Civil Society Organisations,

Esteemed Youth Leaders and Advocates,

Members of the Press,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

All protocols duly observed.

Good morning, distinguished guests, friends, and fellow compatriots.

It is with great humility and a profound sense of duty that I stand before you today to deliver this keynote address on a matter that lies at the heart of our collective future — empowering the youth for purposeful and non-violent civil engagement.

Let me begin by commending the organizers and participants of this One-Day Sensitization Workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of our youths in civic engagement and challenging the negative profiling narratives that have plagued the Southeast region for far too long.

The Role of Youth in Nation Building

Throughout history, youth have been the vanguard of transformative change. Whether in civil rights movements, democratic transitions, or innovation in technology and arts, young people have always been the spark that ignites societal progress. In Nigeria, over 60% of our population is under the age of 35. This is not a liability; it is our greatest asset.

Yet, we cannot deny that today, our youth are too often seen not as partners in progress, but as threats — profiled, stigmatized, and excluded from the very systems that need their energy and creativity the most.

Negative Profiling: A Dangerous Narrative

The Southeast region, in particular, has suffered from a growing trend of negative profiling — where young people are indiscriminately labelled as criminals, miscreants, or threats to peace. This dangerous narrative not only undermines the dignity of our youth but also fosters resentment, alienation, and in some cases, leads to the very anti-social behaviours it seeks to prevent.

We must say it clearly and unequivocally: being young and Igbo is not a crime. Demanding good governance is not terrorism. Civic engagement is not rebellion.

Non-Violent Civic Engagement: A Democratic Right

Our constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to peaceful assembly, expression, and participation in governance. But rights are not enough. We must also build the capacity, the confidence, and the platforms for youth to engage meaningfully.

This is why FENRAD and our civil society partners are committed to training, mentoring, and empowering young people — not just to speak out, but to speak strategically, to organize, and to lead.

We must reject violence in all its forms — not only because it is morally wrong, but because it is strategically ineffective. History teaches us that sustainable change comes through peaceful resistance, civic education, and grassroots mobilisation.

Our Collective Responsibility

The work ahead is not for the youth alone. Government agencies, security institutions, traditional leaders, and civil society actors all have a role to play in reversing the negative narratives and creating an enabling environment for youth participation.

We must move from tokenism to inclusion. From repression to dialogue. From suspicion to partnership.

Let us invest in leadership training, civic education, and digital literacy. Let us open town halls, not just courtrooms. Let us create safe spaces where youth can dream, deliberate, and decide the future they want.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Today, I challenge every young person here not to wait for permission to lead. Your voice matters. Your ideas are valid. Your time is now.

Let us rise above the narratives that seek to divide us, and embrace the strength of unity, peace, and purpose-driven engagement.

Let us be known not for what we oppose, but for what we build.

Let the Southeast stand as a beacon — not of violence, but of vision. Not of chaos, but of creativity. Not of despair, but of determined civic action.

Together, we can reclaim the narrative, restore dignity, and reshape the future.

Thank you, and may our efforts today yield a more just, inclusive, and peaceful Nigeria.

Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
FENRAD (Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development)