BBYDI Launches YouthGovTracka To Hold Nigerian Governors Accountable

Ilorin, Kwara State–  A non-governmental organisation, Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), has launched a groundbreaking platform called YouthGovTracka, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s pursuit of a more accountable, inclusive, and engaged governance system.

Addressing journalists during the unveiling of the YouthGovTracka in Ilorin on Thursday, Abideen Opeyemi Olasupo, the Global Director of BBYDI, said democracy is more than just a system of governance; it’s a promise of empowerment, a commitment to the people.

According to Olasupo, the spotlight of citizen scrutiny has been fixated solely on the Federal Government, neglecting the impactful decisions made at the state level.

“This imbalance has led to unfulfilled promises, overlooked needs, and missed opportunities for progress, especially for our vibrant youth and marginalised groups. But that must change. Tapping from the zeal and vigour of Generation Z, we are leveraging technology and citizen advocacy to hold our state governors accountable for the promises they’ve made for our youth’s development.”

“We present YouthGovTracka—an innovative online platform, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for change. This initiative, spearheaded by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), aims to bridge the gap between our youth’s aspirations and our state governor’s actions.

He noted that BBYDI has meticulously selected and trained youth focal points. You can call them warriors for change in each of our 36 states.

“Our focal points will use it to track data, enumerate the promises made and monitor their implementation. But we won’t stop there. We’re not just watchers; we’re doers. Our focal points will spearhead community development projects aligned with our menu of commitments —projects that echo the promises made and demand accountability.

Mr Olasupo said the actionable pathways were designed to track the State Governors’ performance in the identified thematic areas.

“Prioritizing Youth Voice in Governance empowers the young to shape governance processes. Support for Young Candidates champions and supports aspiring young politicians.

“Creating Safe Civic Spaces fortifies legal frameworks for the security of young advocates, artists, journalists, and bloggers. Developing Participatory Mechanisms fosters channels for young people’s governance participation.

“Supporting Civil Society Organizations enables these entities to engage young people meaningfully. Investing in Civic Education ensures accessible civic education, especially for marginalized groups.

He added that the Citizen Accountability toolkit will guide citizens on how to articulate and demand what’s rightfully theirs from the government.

Meanwhile, the toolkit has been translated into our diverse local languages, such as Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba, ensuring every citizen can engage, understand, and demand their rights.

He said the youth focal points will engage critical stakeholders in every state, building bridges between leaders and those they lead.