STRATEGIES FOR YOUTH MOBILIZATION, EMPOWERMENT AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: A COMPARATIVE DISCOURSE AND LESSONS FOR NIGERIA

The paper explores the strategies adopted by some countries in the contemporary period to boost youth mobilization, empowerment, and political participation, and suggests lessons for Nigeria. The paper employs an analytical approach with a touch of comparison, theoretically grounded in the humanistic and human factor theories. The paper observes that most mobilization initiatives embarked upon by military and civilian regimes in various countries, including Nigeria, are deficient in mobilising the youth for a constructive role within the political system. The paper argues that except for lowering the eligibility age to run for political offices, Nigeria is acting contrary to many other countries, which have recently reviewed their empowerment and mobilisation strategies to allow for meaningful utilisation and participation of their youth in political and other national affairs. As a remedy, the paper recommends positive measures such as limiting campaign expenditures, encouraging internal party democracy, reducing the powers of political godfathers, and ensuring credible and peaceful elections in the country.