By Ojima-ojo Abubakar
Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, business mogul Prince Arthur Eze, renowned engineer and entrepreneur Engr. Mathew Tonlagha, and youth advocate Barrister Seyi Tinubu are among distinguished Nigerians set to be inducted into the Nigeria Youths in Politics Hall of Fame during the forthcoming Democracy Day Conference 2026.
The announcement was made by the President of Nigeria Youths in Politics, Hon. Blessing Oyefeso, during a press conference held ahead of the conference scheduled for June 10, 2026, in Abuja.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Oyefeso said the Hall of Fame initiative was established to recognize individuals whose contributions to leadership, democracy, nation-building, youth empowerment, philanthropy, and public service have positively impacted Nigeria and inspired younger generations.
According to him, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who will serve as the Father of the Occasion, will be decorated with the title “Custodian of Democracy and Inter-Generational Leadership,” while former President Goodluck Jonathan, Chairman of the Occasion, will receive the honour of “Guardian of Peace and Selfless Leadership Icon.”
Barrister Seyi Tinubu will be inducted as “Champion of Youth Political Inclusion” in recognition of his contributions toward youth engagement and participation in the political process.
Other notable award recipients include Prince Arthur Eze, one of Africa’s foremost business leaders and philanthropists, and Engr. Mathew Tonlagha, Chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, whose achievements in enterprise, leadership, and youth development have earned national recognition.
The conference, themed “Now Is The Time: Youths Building a Sustainable Democracy,” is expected to attract policymakers, political leaders, youth organizations, students, professionals, and development partners from across the country.
A major highlight of the event will also be the inauguration of the Nigeria Youths in Politics National Working Committee, which has been tasked with setting the agenda for youth electoral participation and monitoring the activities of electoral stakeholders to promote peaceful, credible, and violence-free elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organizers also announced that renowned Pan-Africanist and legal scholar, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on the role of young people in strengthening democratic institutions and advancing sustainable governance across Africa.
Oyefeso emphasized that the conference aims to foster constructive dialogue on democratic governance, youth inclusion, leadership development, and national unity while inspiring a new generation of Nigerians to embrace patriotism, integrity, and active civic participation.
He called on government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, students, and the media to support efforts aimed at deepening democratic values and increasing youth participation in governance.
The Democracy Day Conference 2026 is being organized by Nigeria Youths in Politics as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s democratic journey and promoting greater youth involvement in shaping the nation’s future.
