PRESS RELEASE
CREAP Africa Initiative Launches “Safe Civic Engagement” Project to Strengthen Youth Participation and Protect Civic Freedoms in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria | July 2026
CREAP Africa Initiative has officially launched a three-month civic engagement project titled “Safe Civic Engagement: Empowering Youth Voices and Protecting Freedoms in Nigeria,” with support from CIVICUS. The initiative seeks to strengthen civic awareness, promote peaceful and responsible citizen participation, and create inclusive platforms for dialogue between citizens, communities, and public institutions.
The project comes at a time when strengthening civic participation, protecting fundamental freedoms, and encouraging constructive engagement are increasingly important to Nigeria’s democratic development. Through a combination of community dialogues, stakeholder engagements, a three-day capacity-building workshop, media advocacy, and policy engagement, the initiative aims to equip citizens, particularly young people — with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
Speaking on the launch of the project, Sylvanus Udoenoh, Executive Director of CREAP Africa Initiative, noted that democracy flourishes when citizens understand both their rights and responsibilities.
«”Safe civic engagement is not only about knowing our rights; it is also about using our voices responsibly, engaging peacefully, and working collectively to build stronger communities and accountable institutions. This project provides a platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration that empowers citizens to become active contributors to Nigeria’s democratic development.”»
Over the next three months, the project will convene three Community Dialogue Sessions, three Stakeholder Engagement Meetings, and a three-day Capacity Building Workshop for youth leaders, civil society organisations, community stakeholders, and human rights advocates in Abuja. These activities will provide opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, strengthen civic leadership, build partnerships, and develop practical solutions to challenges affecting civic participation.
A sustained public awareness campaign will also be implemented across digital and traditional media platforms to promote civic education, encourage peaceful participation, and amplify positive narratives on democracy, human rights, and civic responsibility. Lessons and recommendations from the project will be consolidated into a policy brief to support ongoing advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
The first Community Dialogue, themed “Understanding Civic Rights and Promoting Safe Community Participation in Nigeria,” will hold on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, in Kuje Area Council, Abuja. The dialogue will bring together traditional leaders, youth, women, civil society organisations, religious leaders, security agencies, media practitioners, and government representatives to discuss practical approaches to strengthening civic participation and fostering peaceful, inclusive communities.
CREAP Africa Initiative invites community members, civil society organisations, development partners, media organisations, and public institutions to support and participate in the project as it works to promote a civic environment where every voice is respected, participation is peaceful, and democratic values are strengthened.
For media enquiries:
CREAP Africa Initiative
Email: contact@creapinitiative.org
Website: www.creapinitiative.org
Phone: +234 805 719 3855
