NACOMYO urges greater Muslim youth participation in politics at Lagos summit

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO), Lagos State Chapter, has called for increased participation of Muslim youths in politics and governance as part of efforts to strengthen inclusive leadership and contribute to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

The call was made during the Muslim Youth Political Summit 2026, held on Saturday at the Multipurpose Hall of the Alausa Secretariat Community Central Mosque in Ikeja, Lagos.

The summit, themed “Strategic Partnership for Progress: Muslim Youth and the Lagos Development Agenda,” brought together government officials, Muslim leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for expanding the role of Muslim youths in public service and leadership.

Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of NACOMYO Lagos, Engr. Isiaka Salami, said the summit was organised to foster dialogue, strategic partnerships and collaboration between Muslim youths and government.

He explained that the initiative was aimed at preparing young Muslims for leadership roles while commending the growing inclusion of youths in governance. Salami also appreciated the support of the Muslim Community of Lagos State and offered prayers for the late Alhaji Tijani Gbajabiamila, the Olori Ratibi of Lagos.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Hon. Rasaq Olushola Ajala, the immediate past Chairman of Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Akeem Alao urged Muslim youths to actively participate in politics and public service.

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He stressed that competence, integrity and leadership capacity remain essential qualities for young people seeking to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.

Alao also encouraged eligible youths to take advantage of the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration exercise ahead of future elections.

Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Alhaji Jubril Folami, commended NACOMYO for its sustained commitment to youth development and advocacy.

He described Muslim youths as agents of positive change and recalled the organisation’s role in defending the interests of Muslims during campaigns against the proposed return of public schools to missionary ownership.

During a panel discussion, the President of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Alhaji (Barr.) Muhammad Oyinlomo Danmole, called for strategic political participation and stronger engagement between Muslim organisations and government.

He advocated the establishment of leadership training institutions to prepare Muslim youths for future leadership positions and emphasised the importance of grassroots mobilisation in nation-building.

Responding to questions on opportunities for Muslim youths, Alhaji Muritadoh Balogun urged young Muslims to participate actively in politics while drawing inspiration from the exemplary leadership of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He identified education, knowledge acquisition and community service as key foundations for effective leadership and called for increased Muslim representation in government institutions.

Also speaking during the panel session, Alhaja Dhikrat Matesun-Oshodi said Muslim women were ready to contribute meaningfully to governance.

She encouraged Muslim youths to embrace self-development, transparency, accountability, patience and teamwork, describing good character and empowerment as essential qualities for effective leadership.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Wealth Creation and Employment, Ambassador (Comrade) Tijani Saheed Oluwadare (Seedorf), highlighted the state government’s commitment to youth inclusion, skills development and economic empowerment.

He urged participants to take advantage of government initiatives and become actively involved in politics to strengthen youth participation in policymaking and governance.

The summit attracted a large number of Muslim youths from across Lagos State, including representatives of organisations such as NASFAT, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos, ASGAT, QUAREEB and other youth-focused political groups.

Participants resolved to strengthen collaboration between Muslim organisations and government, agreeing that leadership development, strategic partnerships and active political participation are critical to ensuring that Muslim youths contribute meaningfully to the Lagos Development Agenda and Nigeria’s overall development.

NACOMYO urges greater Muslim youth participation in politics at Lagos summit