* Advocates strategic partnership for Lagos development
Muslim youths across Nigeria have been urged to actively participate in the nation’s political process, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and prepare themselves for leadership positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made at the Muslim Youth Political Summit 2026 organised by the Lagos State Chapter of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO) at the Multipurpose Hall of the Alausa Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos.
The summit, themed “Strategic Partnership for Progress: Muslim Youth and the Lagos Development Agenda,” brought together government officials, Islamic leaders, professionals and youth representatives to discuss pathways for greater Muslim participation in governance and nation building.
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of NACOMYO Lagos, Engr. Isiaka Salami, said the summit was organised to strengthen collaboration between Muslim youths and government while preparing a new generation of competent, responsible and visionary leaders.
According to him, Muslim youths must move beyond political apathy and become active participants in shaping policies and decisions that affect their future and the development of their communities.
Representing the keynote speaker, Hon. Rasaq Olushola Ajala, Mr. Akeem Alao urged Muslim youths to engage constructively in politics and public service, stressing that meaningful change can only be achieved through active participation rather than passive observation.
He also encouraged eligible youths to take advantage of the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission Permanent Voter Card registration exercise, describing voter registration as the first step towards influencing the outcome of the 2027 elections.
Mr. Alao said Muslim youths possess the capacity, competence and values required to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development, urging them to prepare themselves through education, leadership training and active civic engagement.
The Public Relations Officer of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Alhaji Jubril Folami, commended NACOMYO Lagos for organising the summit, describing the initiative as timely in view of the country’s evolving political landscape.
He said Muslim youths remain important agents of positive social transformation and encouraged them to remain united while contributing responsibly to democratic governance.
According to him, the future of the Muslim community depends largely on the willingness of its younger generation to participate actively in public affairs with integrity, competence and a sense of responsibility.
One of the major highlights of the summit was a panel discussion featuring the President of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Alhaji Barrister Muhammad Oyinlomo Danmole, alongside Alhaji Muritadoh Balogun, Alhaja Dhikrat Matesun-Oshodi and Ambassador Comrade Tijani Saheed Oluwadare.
The panelists discussed issues relating to youth leadership, governance, public service and opportunities available for Muslim participation in politics.
They unanimously urged Muslim youths to invest in education, develop leadership capacity and build the competence required to occupy elective and appointive positions.
The speakers also encouraged participants to take advantage of government empowerment programmes while remaining committed to ethical leadership and community service.
The summit attracted a large turnout of Muslim youths and representatives of several Islamic organisations, including NASFAT, Ansar Ud Deen Society, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria Lagos State Area Unit, ASGAT, QUAREEB and other youth based organisations.
Participants described the summit as an important platform for political education and leadership development, expressing optimism that greater collaboration between Muslim organisations and government would create more opportunities for young Muslims to contribute to public service.
The programme ended with a renewed commitment by participants to mobilise eligible Muslim youths for voter registration, strengthen political awareness within their communities and promote responsible participation in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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