Here we are in Nigeria, on our road to redemption in this 2011 election journey, we the youth have banded together, despite our differences and have pledged that for the first time, a lot of us would withstand the electoral process, and actually make our votes count.

We have been through an unbelievably flawed registration period that was hardly long enough, and through that we stood together feeding our fellow corpers, and encouraging our friends and acquaintances to imagine the change that could happen if we all registered. We donated our time during the registration extension, to ensure every one of our fellow Nigerians got the chance to register.

We stood up to demand a platform for the youth voice to be heard, and for our presidential candidates to address our issues. While we were faced by adversity and reluctant participants, we came together and still made our questions heard.

We came out in droves on April 9th only to discover that the elections had been cancelled, we alerted our friends, and still encouraged each other not to give up.

Now here we are, the eve before the actual elections will finally commence and we are faced with cruel bomb blasts, and more postponements. What do we do?

We have come too far, and have fought too hard to make these elections as free and fair as possible. We may be a little scared for our safety, but still we must come out and defy any pitiful attempt at intimidation, because our efforts have not been in vain. I implore you to take your neighbor’s hand, walk bravely to your polling booth, and cast your vote only for a party that you believe in. We the youth have been here for one another and will continue to do so.

Stand at your polling unit cast your vote, and protect your vote. Report any incidents you may witness to Sahara Reporters text +1646.770.1291, or call 1.718.577.1398, or text ReclaimNaija.net at 08166662222, 08120006622, 0809662221, download REVODA http://www.revoda.org/.

May the souls of those who lost their lives this evening rest in peace.

Joining the call for the first-ever presidential debate focused on youth issues, Nigerian celebrities are giving up their digital profiles to support What About Us, a collaborative effort from youth advocacy groups, Vote or Quench, Sleeves Up, Enough is Enough, Nigerian Eagle, StandUP Naija and others.

The campaign started March 3rd 2011, with more than 10 famous Nigerians raising their voices in support of the youth including Eldee, Sasha, BankyW, Bez, Naija Boyz, Four Kornerz, Lami, Tee A, Nse Ikpe Etim and Nneka Egbuna. In unison, 1000s of their fans also dedicated their profile pictures and statuses on facebook, Twitter and BlackBerry Messenger, inviting their network of friends and family to do the same? As a result, #WhatAboutUs successfully became a top trending topic in Nigeria – the most populous country in Africa.

“This is a movement and we’re excited to be a part of it. Young people represent 70 percent of the population. We deserve to ask “What About Us? and expect real answers from the presidential candidates. It’s about where these candidates stand on issues that matter to us. This campaign is about young Nigerians finally having seat at the table in our political process,” the group said in a joint statement.

The What About Us debate will be held on March 25^th at the Yar’adua Center in Abuja. Moderated by acclaimed novelist Chimamanda Adichie and hosted by TV personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, candidates will respond to questions posed by the youth on issues that most affect this critical demographic.  Since the launch of the campaign 10 days ago, thousands of young Nigerians have logged on to www.whataboutusnigeria.org to select their candidate and the topics they expect them to address, including security, corruption, power, unemployment, rent, education and more.

The united voice of the Nigerian youth was not ignored. Chief Dele Momodu (NCP), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (ACN), Professor Pat Utomi (SDMP) and Reverend Chris Okotie (FDP) all accepted to participate in the debate, leaving the Mallam Muhammad Buhari (CPC) and President Goodluck Jonathan (PDP) as the last leading candidate hold outs.

So what can you do bring them on board? Join the movement.

1.      Donate your FB, Twitter and BBM digital profile (Picture and Status) to: #WhatAboutUs?

2.      Check out www.whataboutusnigeria.org and select the candidates and topics that are important to you.

3.      Like us on FB at www.facebook.com/whataboutusnigeria and attend the virtual event www.tinyurl.com/WAUEVENT

###

About the “What About Us?” Campaign

“What About Us?” is a NON-PARTISAN campaign, calling for the first-ever presidential youth centered debate in Nigeria. The collaborative effort is driven by several youth empowerment groups and blogs, including Vote or Quench, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Sleeves Up, StandUP Naija and Nigerian Eagle. The group’s mission is to educate the Nigerian youth on the agendas and motives of presidential aspirants and it will continue to collaborate on various initiatives to drive voter awareness and participation.  More details on participating groups for the initiative can be found on our website, www.whataboutusnigeria.org or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/whataboutusnigeria

Youth Organizations Ask Nigerian Presidential Candidates, “What About Us?”
Youth-led Organizations and Media Outlets Join Forces to Call for A Youth-Focused Debate

February 22, 2011, Abuja, Nigeria – Building on momentum from a mass voter registration drive, a coalition of several youth empowerment groups and blogs, including Vote or Quench, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Sleeves Up, and Nigeria Leadership Initiative, are calling for the first-ever presidential youth centered debate in Nigeria. Looking ahead to the April elections, the debate would focus on the key issues affecting a critical voting demographic, with the age group of 30 and under representing 70% of the population.

The debate will be a direct conversation with Nigerian youth, inviting presidential candidates to answer questions posed by young Nigerians, at home and abroad, via social media networks including Facebook and Twitter, text message and phone, about key topics of concern. For the first time, the candidates will have a platform to share their agenda with the nation in a live-televised format, laying out specific and concrete solutions. The debate is tentatively scheduled for the last week of March, 2011.

“It is easy for politicians to promise change without having a clue about the realities Nigerian youth face every day. However, we know that their decisions now will largely determine our future so we want to know where they stand. This time around, we are engaged, aware and empowered, and believe that our vote should be earned and not expected,” the group said in a joint statement.

The group’s mission started on January 11th, 2011, with the #IfNaijaVotes donate your status initiative, prompting Nigerians across the globe to voice their predictions on the nation’s prospects if free and fair elections are held. The group now seeks to further educate the Nigerian youth on the missions and motives of presidential aspirants and will continue to collaborate on various initiatives to drive voter awareness and participation. More details on participating groups for the initiative can be found on our website, www.WhatAboutUsNigeria.org or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/WhatAboutUs.

###

Vote or Quench (www.VoteorQuench.org) is a social media-driven, grassroots campaign created to empower, engage and involve Nigerian youth – at home and in the Diaspora –in the political process.

EnoughisEnough Nigeria (www.eienigeria.com) is a coalition of individuals and youth organizations committed to instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through advocacy, activism and the mobilization of the youth population as responsible citizens. The coalition includes The Future Project, Light Up Nigeria, Paradigm Initiative and Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND).

Nigeria Leadership Initiative (www.NLI-Global.org) is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. It is a platform for credible, accomplished and uniquely patriotic Nigerians to develop and express values-based leadership skills with the aim of assuming a transformative role in the continuous development of Nigeria.

Sleeves Up! (www.SleevesUp.org) is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-partisan organization that presents a platform for the millions of young Nigerians across the nation and beyond that are tired of just “talking the talk”; young Nigerians ready to “walk the walk”. Our mission is to continuously plan, implement and sustain projects that will enable us build a solid network of like-minded young Nigerians who are resolved to being MASTERS of change not VICTIMS of change.

Wangonet (www.Wangonet.org) provides intellectual and ICT resources to NGOs, media, educational and cultural institutions, private sector clients.

Culture Shock: Nigerians in America (www.CultureShockNigerians.com) Hosted by Abimbola Ishola and Kunle Ayodeji, is a new talk radio show airing on Splash 105.5 FM in various Nigerian cities connecting Nigerians in Nigeria to Nigerians in America like never before.
Nneka Egbuna (www.NnekaWorld.com) Globally acclaimed Nigerian singer/songwriter.

Nigerian Diaspora Electoral Reform Group (www.NDERG.org) a US-based, non-profit non-governmental organization whose main aim is to work with Nigerians and friends of Nigeria within and outside of Nigeria towards participating in the political, social and electoral reforms in the country.

Tiwa Works (www.TiwaWorks.com) is an international marketing, promotions, and event planning firm that reaches across the 3 continents of North America, Europe and Africa.

Celebrate Progress Africa (www.CP-Africa.com) chooses to celebrate what is right about Africa. Through partnerships with organizations online and on the ground, they hope to create a paradigm shift amongst Africans everywhere and offer a space for inspiration and creativity.

Nigeria for Nigerians (www.Facebook.com/NigeriansforNigeria) Everything about Nigeria and Nigerians. Nigeria for Nigerians believe in the simple premise that Nigeria’s future is up to Nigerians.
Last Plane to Lagos (www.LastPlanetoLagos.com) is an online magazine featuring Events, Culture, Lifestyle, Music and Fashion by creative minds of African origin.

The Nigerian Eagle (www.theNigerianEagle.com) unites Nigerians around the world of all ages for the purpose of sharing opinions, views, beliefs, and suggested solutions for our country’s progress – then to educate and unite the next generation of Nigerians around the world to share their opinions, increase their interest and enlighten them of the great historical and present facts of our great Nation.

Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (www.yiaga.org) YAIA is a Jos-based youth-led non-governmental, non-political and non-religious organization that systematically aims to promote democracy and foster active youth participation in democratic and good governance processes.

Chiedu Ifeozo (www.ChieduIfeozo.blogspot.com) Renowned Nigerian writer & poet.

The charity, which was recently founded in January 2011, is based in the United Kingdom, and reaches out to other citizens of Africa in the Diaspora for support.

On January 23^rd 2011, The Tyough Foundation debuted with a fund-raising fair at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jubilee Christian Centre, Coventry, UK. The theme was “Buy a Doughnut, Empower a Child”.

During the church session, TY (as he is fondly called by his peers) explained what the ‘doughnut’ stood for in his campaign. He said, “D = Dignity, O = Optimism, U = Uplift, G = Goodwill, H = Hope, N = Nurture, U = Understanding, and T = Tranquility”.

According to Beetseh, the sub-initiative of the “Doughnut Campaign” was to mobilize funds towards a primary goal-area of education. In a chat with him, he explained that, “the funds generated in the sales of the doughnuts are to be used for the purchase of basic infrastructure, stationary and furniture for impoverished schools in the rural areas of Nigeria. The schools to benefit are yet to be selected.”

The charity is currently setting in place plans to raise awareness and funds for the surviving victims of the recent Jos crisis in Northern Nigeria. The founder has announced that, “these important campaigns will hopefully run in the last quarter of 2011 and the second quarter of 2012.”

The Tyough Foundation is on Facebook, feel free to join the vision.

Nigerians, please if you’re going to revolt, march to your nearest registration center and register to vote to participate in the upcoming elections.

Unlike Tunisia & Egypt who have unfortunately suffered a totalitarian type government with no apparent sign of reform presented to its people, Nigeria has no reason to think of a violent approach at this point. President Mubarak of Egypt has been in power 30yrs while President Ben Ali of Tunisia, 24 yrs. Nigeria today is at a brink of being given their first real opportunity that many of these Tunisians & Egyptians haven’t had in over 2 decades – to elect a leader of their choice. For many Nigerians, young and old, it will be their first time ever voting. These 2011 elections in Nigeria, many have deemed the ‘make or break’ of Africa’s most populous country.

The Nigerian government, although a failed one still filled with wayward politicians, has shown to be making some effort to reform present electoral processes so that the Nigerian people have a part in who governs their nation. Unlike the Tunisian & Egyptian governments, there isn’t a deafening silence to respond to the issues the youth raise anymore. We may very well claim to have a better majority of government who, comparatively and as of recent, we have witnessed, is starting to listen. Dare I say, somewhat of an openness to change. Still a work in progress, but the youth should begin now to get used to the idea of demanding to know who their leaders are and their policies and vote them back into power if they choose.

Indeed – there have been many flaws we are seeing already that have come with this democratic exercise. Among them are the DDC machine malfunctions, NYSC corpers’ inability to operate the machines, corpers’ protests, violence in some states and several attempted thefts of DDC machines at registration sites by riggers. In addition, the major obstacles that have come with our failed state: electricity, lack of education, insecurity, poor infrastructure.

We need to take a step back and realize that these are inevitable issues bound to plague a newly instilled process by an inept system that desperately needs change. This year’s electoral procession is by far the most micro-managed & highly scrutinized one we have seen ever in Nigerian history.  We have already heard stories of some good Samaritan Nigerians, who in the process of registering, saw the opportunity to help some of these corpers as well as provide solutions to expedite the long wait and excessive lines of citizens in their respective sites waiting to register. We need this to be the attitude that Nigerians participating in this year’s election inculcate.

Register, Select, Vote & Protect should be Nigeria’s response to the recent upheavals in Tunisia & Egypt.  Exercise your civic duty. If the Nigerian youth come out in droves, similar to the numbers that came out in Tunisia & Egypt, but this time to participate in the elections, we stand a better chance of protecting our votes and stunting attempts by the riggers who try to steal our votes. We can’t afford to sit, complain or even start to compare ourselves to other African countries. The fate of Nigeria’s future is in your hands. Revolt on making your vote count and tell your friends & family the same.

This is a post from our newest guest blogger Naijafaithful. Contact us here for the chance to have your blog post published on Vote or Quench.

It is a crucial time in Nigeria as the 2011 elections are fast approaching.  Although the diaspora votes will not be included this year doesn’t mean those of us far from home will be at a standstill.  Hence, the Vote or Quench DC Chapter decided to host a Dial-4-Change Brunch Telethon.  Our goal?  To make sure that even though our votes would not be included this year, we could still call our wonderful friends and family at home to encourage them to participate and register on our behalf.  To further entice, we had some delicious brunch food to treat our volunteers. We all know wherever there is good food, there will definitely be Nigerians

So, with some mini croissant sandwiches, mimosas, light M.I and Ice Prince playing in the background and laptops for Skype, we all came together for a wonderful cause.

After enjoying a great brunch, everyone quickly got down to business, reaching out to family relatives and friends at home to make sure they were all registered to vote.  Even though we did get some funny responses – “una wey dey for America wan make noise pass us wey dey here or una want make we do wetin?”, the majority assured us that they had or would be going the following Monday morning to register to vote.  Overall, the telethon participants and even people we dialed were glad that we actually got together as a group to make these calls.  We had a great turn out and it was a fun yet very productive afternoon.   Thanks to everyone who sacrificed their Saturday afternoon errands to come share this positive experience with us.  The truth is we cannot move forward unless we unite and this is just the beginning of a unified movement.

Guest Blogger Tonye Garrick sharing her experience during the Vote or Quench Brunch Telethon held on January 22nd, 2011 in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area USA.

If someone asked me what the best part of joining the chorus of people supporting #ifNaijaVotes movement was, without hesitation I would have answered “unity.” In a day and age when it’s so easy to separate yourself, to thrive on the similarities you share with some folks and shun the differences you see amongst yourself and others, the #ifNaijaVotes initiative elevated us above above all that. Across three continents, people of all ages, walks of life, beliefs and backgrounds, got together and spoke in one voice, over one issue: Regardless of who we support, what issue we take on or don’t, WE matter and our votes count. Nigeria is ours and we’re ready to exercise our authority. And we encourage every citizen to do the same.

As a lover of numbers, being able to say ‘this many people participated’ would be lovely. But quite honestly, the numbers don’t matter. Whether there were 50,000 tweets or 500, the point is, we were present on Tuesday. From all over the globe, we all had a chance to partake in something bigger than ourselves. Normally you hear about things like this and think it’s nice sounding but probably not meaningful in the larger scheme of things. But the #ifNaijaVotes movement is a real life, contemporary example of the power of the collective. If what took place doesn’t make you excited about the future, about the possibilities of what we can do, then I’m afraid you just don’t get it. For everyone else though…join the bandwagon. This is just the beginning…and it’s probably best not to get left behind.

The party/rally call continued way after January 11th, so rather than re-highlighting tweets fellow advocates have already, below are just three of my favorite tweets that came in after midnight on January 12th.

@AfroPuffette: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.#ifnaijavotes

@fatboy27ng: #ifnaijavotes politics will no longer be a profession but strictly a call to service.

@solazo69: #IfNaijaVotes….my 1yr old niece won’t be shouting #UPNEPA

Though all captured poignant points, the third stirred me the most. My vote in April determines what type of Nigeria my children will inherit. Whether their studies will be interrupted by NEPA, their days made longer and unproductive because of bad roads, or whether they will have to look outside for adequate healthcare. These thoughts alone are enough motivation; enough of a reminder that we can’t let the responsibility slip. We simply have to register to vote and go out on voting day. Our kids, grand kids and great-grands depend on it.

Lola Adeyemo is the Editor of Afiive which aims to be your innovative liaison, connecting, informing and entertaining its avid readers and frequent visitors from around the globe.

GET UP revolves around an able young Nigerian man from a poor background called Chibuzo. He is representative of any typical Nigerian youth. From the opening of the video, the artiste sonorously urges to listener to pay close attention to the story as “it fit be you, it fit be me”.

Chibuzo leaves his poor-looking apartment early in the morning, hustles to get on the bus and finally arrives at his ‘workplace’. He is a roadside CD-vendor. Along the way, a better-dressed man approaches him, but Chibuzo is not willing to engage in this conversation. The audience is left to imagine what exactly the exchange between the two is, however, not for long. As Chibuzo returns home that day, we see the ‘posh’ dressed guy being led away by two men in handcuffs towards a patrol vehicle. Thus, one can deduce that the guy was attempting to draw Chibuzo into illegal dealings earlier in the day.
“Get up off the floor, get your feet back on the ground” is the resounding message in the chorus in this song.

Lara George uses Chibuzo to illustrate that “there is a story before the glory and a light after the night”. She is asking Nigerians not to give up hope, but get up in solidarity for our future and our children, especially if you believe that Nigeria will be better.

You could start by getting up, and going to register to vote from January 15-29 – a bright future awaits Nigeria, we are hopeful.

You can run with this one, feel free to be funny, or serious with it:

For example: #IfNaijaVotes kids will have access to a better education.

Help Nigeria be great! And resend and Retweet!!!

Shout out to all the organizations involved in this initiative:

Wangonet (www.Wangonet.org) provides intellectual and ICT resources to NGOs, media, educational and cultural institutions, private sector clients.

Culture Shock: Nigerians in America (www.CultureShockNigerians.com) Hosted by Abimbola Ishola and Kunle Ayodeji, is a new talk radio show airing on Splash 105.5 FM in various Nigerian cities connecting Nigerians in Nigeria to Nigerians in America like never before.

Sahara Reporters (www.SaharaReporters.com) is an online community of international reporters and social advocates dedicated to bringing you commentaries, features, news reports from a Nigerian-African perspective.

EnoughisEnough Nigeria (www.EnoughisEnoughNigeria.com) is a coalition of individuals and youth organizations committed to instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through advocacy, activism and the mobilization of the youth population as responsible citizens.

Nneka Egbuna (www.NnekaWorld.com) Acclaimed global Nigerian singer/songwriter. It is a testament to the strength of Nneka’s talent that her success so far is based on word of mouth, on the quality of her albums and the intensity of her live performance. While love, hope and optimism form the bedrock of all Nneka’s recorded work, there’s a steeliness to her new material, the engagement of a highly developed mind on some of the tough realities of modern politics – both personal and international.

Nigerian Diaspora Electoral Reform Group (www.NDERG.org) a US-based, non-profit non-governmental organization whose main aim is to work with Nigerians and friends of Nigeria within and outside of Nigeria towards participating in the political, social and electoral reforms in the country.

Tiwa Works (www.TiwaWorks.com) is an international marketing, promotions, and event planning firm that reaches across the 3 continents of North America, Europe and Africa.

Celebrate Progress Africa (www.CP-Africa.com) chooses to celebrate what is right about Africa. Through partnerships with organizations online and on the ground, they hope to create a paradigm shift amongst Africans everywhere and offer a space for inspiration and creativity.

Nigeria for Nigerians (www.Facebook.com/NigeriansforNigeria) Everything about Nigeria and Nigerians. Nigeria for Nigerians believe in the simple premise that Nigeria’s future is up to Nigerians.

Last Plane to Lagos (www.LastPlanetoLagos.com) is an online magazine featuring Events, Culture, Lifestyle, Music and Fashion by creative minds of African origin.

The Nigerian Eagle (www.theNigerianEagle.com) unites Nigerians around the world of all ages for the purpose of sharing opinions, views, beliefs, and suggested solutions for our country’s progress – then to educate and unite the next generation of Nigerians around the world to share their opinions, increase their interest and enlighten them of the great historical and present facts of our great Nation.

SwitchedOnNaija Media (www.SwitchedOnNaija.com) Nigerian online media lifestyle magazine that highlights the latest in Nigerian culture including, fashion, music, etc.

Governance 500 (www.Governance500.com) is a sustainable programme of national development for the training and empowering of individuals to participate in Nigerias political process in different capacities.

Liz Yemoja (www.LizYemoja.com) TV Personality, Host of Liz Yemoja Show. The ‘Liz Yemoja Show’ features artists from all genres of the entertainment industry aiming to find out the person behind the artist.

Chiedu Ifeozo (ChieduIfeozo.blogspot.com) Renowned Nigerian writer & poet.

Nmachi Jidenma is our first Naijadvocate, founder of Celebrating Progress Africa. Realizing the bleak climate surrounding Africa, rarely pierced by positive news, Nmachi decided to take matters into her own hands by creating a blog that… celebrates Africa’s progress. This is her story.

What led you to start CP-Africa?
I started CP-Africa because I wanted a space online where I could go and inspire myself about progress being made in African development. At first, that space online was my Facebook wall via posts and videos I shared with my immediate online network. However, one day I decided to move it to a blogspot account and afterwards to CP-Africa’s current home online, CP-Africa.com.

What made you focus on the developments in Africa?
As a Nigerian and as an African, I have always been drawn towards African development topics. I think the lure for me came from having someone like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala lead Nigeria as Finance Minister at a stage in my life when I was still exploring my life interests and passion. Being able to witness the changes she brought to both the Ministry and indeed the country was extremely inspiring and it gave me hope and a belief in a better future for Nigeria and for the continent.

What keeps you going, and what is your ultimate goal with CP-Africa?
What keeps me going? The stories that we cover keeps me going. They inspire me and I am happy to discover them and share them with the world. Also, hearing from people who the site has helped out in terms of alerting them about business or educational opportunities or linking them up with likeminded individuals inspires me. I like the fact that people find the site useful and I will like it to continue to be a resource for them. Ultimately, I want CP-Africa to be an inspiring and useful resource that inspires Africans all over the web.

Why is it important to you for Nigeria’s youth to get involved in the 2011 elections?
Getting involved in the 2011 elections is incredibly crucial. The continent has myriads of problems but governance is one arguably the most important of them all. If we can solve the problem of governance, it will give us the opportunity to solve other developmental problems more constructively. Moreover, the outcome of this year’s elections can make a tremendous difference for Nigeria in the next decade or two. If we are able to elect a principled, competent and effective leader in this election, the sky indeed is the limit for this country.

If you could ask our candidates to change one thing about Nigeria what would it be?
Give us power; uninterrupted,constant power supply. Even with the current power situation, our private sector is as vibrant as can be. I shudder to think of how fast this country will grow economically if the power problem is solved – the growth it will bring will be nothing short of phenomenal.