NYSC, KDI Launch Civic and Voter Education CDS Group in Kogi to Deepen Democratic Participation
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in partnership with Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), has officially inaugurated a Civic and Voter Education Community Development Service (CDS) Group at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Asaya, Kogi State, to promote electoral awareness and strengthen citizens’ participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The initiative is designed to equip corps members with the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to serve as civic ambassadors in their host communities by promoting voter education, civic responsibility and active participation in governance.
Speaking during the inauguration, KDI’s Kogi State Partner Representative, Mr. Attah Solomon, said the establishment of the CDS group was part of efforts to bridge the gap in civic knowledge and address misinformation surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process.
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“One of the greatest challenges confronting our democracy is the prevalence of misinformation and inadequate civic education. Through this CDS group, corps members will be empowered with the right information and practical skills to educate others and encourage informed participation in elections,” Solomon said.
He explained that members of the group would benefit from specialised training, community outreach programmes, media engagement opportunities, leadership development and public speaking exercises.
“Beyond their service year, participants will acquire valuable skills that will enhance their personal development, improve their employability and prepare them to become responsible leaders and advocates for democratic governance,” he added.
Solomon further disclosed that members would have access to digital civic education resources, fact-checking tools and continuous mentorship through collaborations with relevant stakeholders.
“Our objective is not only to educate corps members but also to create a network of young civic champions who will continue promoting voter awareness and democratic values long after completing their national service,” he said.
The NYSC Kogi State CDS Schedule Officer, Mrs. Akika Ashelo Alice, who co-facilitated the programme, described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it aligns with the NYSC’s mandate of national development through community service.
“The Civic and Voter Education CDS Group provides corps members with another platform to contribute meaningfully to nation-building by educating communities on their civic rights and responsibilities,” she said.
Following a camp-wide sensitisation exercise that attracted about 150 expressions of interest, selected corps members participated in a two-day intensive training facilitated by Solomon and Mrs. Akika Ashelo Alice, with support from the Kogi State Assistant Director, CDS, **Mr. Emmanuel Maradesa Orozo**, alongside CDS Local Government and Zonal Coordinators.
At the conclusion of the training, members elected their pioneer executive officers, with Mr. Uduma Samuel Emeka emerging as President and Mr. Anyanwu Emmanuel elected as Secretary, formally marking the establishment of the Civic and Voter Education CDS Group at the Asaya Orientation Camp.
The NYSC Kogi State Coordinator welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the scheme’s commitment to supporting the newly established group throughout the service year.
“We are committed to providing the guidance and support necessary for the success of this initiative. We believe the group will make meaningful contributions to civic education and community development across Kogi State,” the Coordinator said.
Responding on behalf of the newly elected executives, President Uduma Samuel Emeka expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the leadership team and pledged to justify the trust.
“We are honoured to serve as the pioneer executives of this important CDS group. We will work diligently to ensure that our members actively promote civic consciousness, voter education and democratic participation in every community we serve,” he said.
Secretary Anyanwu Emmanuel also assured members that the leadership would organise regular meetings, training sessions and community engagement activities to sustain the objectives of the initiative.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in strengthening civic engagement among young Nigerians and underscores the shared commitment of NYSC and KDI to fostering an informed electorate and deepening democratic participation at the grassroots.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 28TH 2026)
