Our Vote, Our Right: Empowering Young People Through the PVC Activation Drive

Global Shapers Lagos Advances Youth Civic Participation Through Voter Education and Personal Voters Card (PVC) Registration

A strong democracy depends not only on the institutions that govern it but also on the citizens who actively participate in shaping its future. For young people, this participation begins with understanding their rights, recognising their influence and having the knowledge and tools to exercise their civic responsibilities.

Recognising the importance of informed participation, the Global Shapers Community Lagos Hub organised a PVC Activation Drive to encourage young people to take an active role in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The initiative went beyond encouraging voter registration. It provided practical support to participants seeking to register for their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), reactivate existing registrations, transfer their voter registration or recover their PVCs. By helping to address some of the administrative barriers that can prevent eligible citizens from participating in elections, the drive sought to make electoral participation more accessible to young people.

However, getting election-ready requires more than having a PVC.

As part of the activation, the Hub conducted a civic sensitisation exercise, engaging participants on the importance of voting, active citizenship and the role individual participation plays in strengthening democratic institutions. The conversations reinforced the idea that voting is not simply an electoral activity; it is an opportunity for citizens to influence decisions, demand accountability and contribute to the direction of their communities and country.

To better understand the value of these engagements, pre- and post-assessment surveys were conducted to explore participants’ understanding of the electoral process. These assessments provided an opportunity to examine how civic education can influence electoral knowledge, confidence and willingness to participate meaningfully.

Advancing the Civic Engagement Pillar

The PVC Activation Drive reflects one of Global Shapers Lagos Hub’s core pillars: Civic Engagement. Through this pillar, the Hub promotes informed citizenship, encourages young people’s participation in democratic processes and creates opportunities for them to engage more actively in issues affecting their communities and the nation.

The initiative recognises that meaningful civic participation begins long before election day. It requires access to information, awareness of civic rights and responsibilities, and the confidence to engage with democratic processes.

The Hub appreciates everyone who participated, volunteered and supported the initiative, particularly Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria) and CAPP Naija, whose partnership strengthened the effort to equip young people with the knowledge and resources to participate in democracy.

The Work Continues: Towards the 2027 Elections

The PVC Activation Drive is part of a broader, continuing commitment to ensuring that young people are informed, prepared and actively involved in Nigeria’s democratic future.

As the country looks towards the 2027 general elections, Global Shapers Lagos remains committed to sustaining civic awareness, strengthening voter education and encouraging young people to move from passive interest to active participation. Democracy is strengthened when citizens understand not only their right to vote but also the responsibility and influence that come with exercising that right.

Our vote. Our right. Our responsibility. Our future.