Beyond Hashtags: How Nigerian Youth Can Truly Build the Nation

Beyond Hashtags: How Nigerian Youth Can Truly Build the Nation

From I Am Change by I Am Change

July 22, 2025 · 31 min · Season 4 · Episode 5

About this episode

The episode discusses how Nigerian youth can engage in nation-building beyond protests and hashtags.

In this episode of I Am Change, we discuss how Nigeria is a country powered by its youth, with over 70% of the population under the age of 30. Yet, despite their numbers and potential, many young Nigerians find themselves excluded from key political and civic conversations. From the #EndSARS movement to record-breaking youth turnout during the 2023 elections, it’s clear that young people have the power to drive change, but how do we sustain that momentum beyond protests and hashtags? Joining us is Oluwatomisin Adebukola Badewole , popularly known as The Golden Tomisin, a journalist, grassroots advocate, and founder of the Nigeria Grassroots Government Summit and Awards (NIGGSA). She shares powerful insights on what it truly means for young Nigerians to engage in nation-building, even in the face of systemic challenges. Together, we explore: Why so many young Nigerians feel disconnected from governance What real nation-building looks like beyond politics and policy How young people can lead from where they are, through media, education, entrepreneurship, and local impact The role of storytelling in shifting mindsets and inspiring civic action How to move from protest and burnout…

People in this episode

Guest: Oluwatomisin Adebukola Badewole

Topics covered

  • Nigerian youth
  • nation-building
  • political engagement
  • civic action
  • systemic challenges

Keywords

  • EndSARS
  • 2023 elections
  • media
  • education
  • entrepreneurship
  • storytelling

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Beyond Hashtags:, I Am Change, I Am Change Podcast

Places: Nigeria

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