4 years. 1 Charter. 17 LGAs.
This is the beginning of a new chapter in grassroots governance in Enugu State, and South Saharan Social Development Organisation is proud to be part of that story.
Following the September 2024 Local Government Elections which is the first in years to be properly scheduled with widespread public awareness , newly elected Chairpersons and their deputies were sworn in with full administrative and financial autonomy, thanks to a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2024.
This ruling extended LGA tenures to four years and granted unprecedented opportunities for long-term planning, transparency, and local development. But with great power must come great accountability and inclusion.
Bridging the Gap with the Youth Demand Charter
Before the dust of the elections had even settled, South Saharan Social Development Organisation, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria under the SPA II Project and with support from the Enugu State Government, had already been listening. Through a participatory process involving young people across all 17 LGAs, we co-developed the Youth Demand Charter, a grassroots-driven list of urgent priorities.
- Jobs.
- Water.
- Roads.
- Healthcare.
- Digital access.
- Climate action.
- Gender-responsive services.
These aren’t abstract goals. They are daily realities, and for over 60% of Enugu’s population under 35, they represent a future that’s been delayed too long.
Youth-Led Agenda Setting: From Demand to Design
On June 16 & 17, 2025, SSDO convened the Youth-Led Institutional Strengthening and Agenda Setting Meeting in Enugu. The 2-day workshop brought together:
- All 17 newly elected LGA Chairpersons
- Youth representatives and leaders from the 17 LGA’s in the State
- Civil society organizations
- Officials from the State Government and key MDAs
For the first time, youth didn’t just speak, they were heard.
And their Charter was presented not as a request, but as a governance tool.
The outcome? A commitment from LGA leaders to align their four-year development plans with youth-identified priorities, integrate inclusive policies into budgets, and open up sustained platforms for civic engagement.
What This Means Going Forward
This isn’t just a win for youth. It’s a win for governance that works. Studies show that increased youth participation leads to more effective policies and greater public trust. In a country where only 15% of governance structures include young people, this workshop sets a powerful precedent.
At SSDO, we believe that real change is designed, not demanded. The Youth Demand Charter is a blueprint for a more responsive, transparent, and inclusive future.
Next Steps: From Commitments to Action
We will continue to track implementation, support youth capacity building, and hold space for continuous dialogue between local government and the communities they serve.
Change has begun at the grassroots. And it started with youth.
