In a bold move to harness the creative potential of Nigeria’s youth, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing has launched #COMMUNICODE2025, a virtual competition designed to empower young Nigerians aged 16 to 25 with cash and gift prizes worth over ₦1 million. The initiative, spearheaded by the APC’s National Youth Leader, Hon. Dayo Israel, challenges participants to propose innovative solutions that leverage the digital economy to address everyday challenges in their communities. Announced on September 4, 2025, the competition is themed “Digital Economy & You” and aims to foster creativity, develop digital leadership, and position Nigeria’s youth as architects of the nation’s future. This groundbreaking initiative not only underscores the APC’s commitment to youth empowerment but also signals a strategic effort to engage young Nigerians in shaping the country’s socio-economic landscape.
The Vision Behind #COMMUNICODE2025
The #COMMUNICODE2025 competition is a reflection of the APC Youth Wing’s broader vision to empower Nigeria’s youth, who constitute over 60% of the country’s population, according to demographic estimates. With Nigeria facing challenges such as youth unemployment, limited access to quality education, and a rapidly evolving digital landscape, initiatives like #COMMUNICODE2025 are critical to unlocking the potential of young people. The competition is designed to encourage participants to think creatively about how digital tools and technologies can address pressing issues, from healthcare and education to agriculture and urban development.
Speaking at the launch event, Dayo Israel emphasized the transformative power of the digital economy and the pivotal role of youth in driving Nigeria’s progress. “The digital economy is the future, and our youth are its architects,” Israel declared. “Through #COMMUNICODE, we are providing a tangible pathway for young innovators to not only showcase their talent but also contribute to solving real-world challenges.” His words resonate with a growing recognition that Nigeria’s economic diversification and global competitiveness depend heavily on the ability to harness the ingenuity of its young population.
The competition invites participants to submit proposals for digital solutions that can address local problems, such as improving access to education through e-learning platforms, enhancing agricultural productivity with tech-driven tools, or tackling urban congestion through smart city innovations. Winners will be selected by a panel of experts based on the creativity, practicality, and potential impact of their submissions. The prize pool, exceeding ₦1 million, includes cash awards and gifts intended to support the implementation of winning ideas, providing a springboard for young innovators to turn their visions into reality.
The APC Youth Wing: A Legacy of Engagement
The APC Youth Wing has established itself as a formidable force in mobilizing and empowering young Nigerians, playing a pivotal role in the party’s electoral successes over the years. The wing was instrumental in securing the election victories of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019, as well as the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023. Through initiatives like nationwide mobilization tours, leadership summits, and capacity-building programs, the Youth Wing has consistently worked to engage young Nigerians in politics and governance.
One of the wing’s notable achievements was the Progressive Young Leaders Summit held in Abuja in September 2022, which attracted over 4,000 young leaders from across Nigeria and Africa. The summit, themed “AGENDA 2023: The Nigeria We Want,” featured prominent speakers and panellists who discussed strategies for youth inclusion in leadership and policy-making. Other initiatives, such as vocational training programs for young women in Northwest Nigeria and real estate entrepreneurship workshops in Lagos, have further demonstrated the Youth Wing’s commitment to equipping young people with practical skills and opportunities.
The launch of #COMMUNICODE2025 builds on this legacy, positioning the APC Youth Wing as a forward-thinking entity that recognizes the importance of technology in shaping Nigeria’s future. By focusing on the digital economy, the initiative aligns with global trends, where digital innovation is driving economic growth and social transformation. Nigeria, with its burgeoning tech ecosystem and growing population of tech-savvy youth, is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, and #COMMUNICODE2025 is a step toward realizing that potential.
The Digital Economy and Nigeria’s Youth
The theme of #COMMUNICODE2025, “Digital Economy & You,” reflects the increasing importance of digital technologies in Nigeria’s socio-economic development. The digital economy, encompassing sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, and digital services, has emerged as a key driver of growth in Nigeria. According to a 2023 report by the National Bureau of Statistics, the information and communication sector contributed significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, with fintech companies like Flutterwave and Paystack leading the charge in Africa’s digital revolution.
However, the benefits of the digital economy have not been evenly distributed, particularly among Nigeria’s youth. High unemployment rates, estimated at over 30% for young people, coupled with limited access to digital infrastructure in rural areas, have created barriers to participation in the digital economy. Initiatives like #COMMUNICODE2025 aim to bridge this gap by encouraging young Nigerians to develop solutions that are both innovative and inclusive.
The competition also aligns with the federal government’s broader agenda to promote digital literacy and entrepreneurship. Under President Tinubu’s administration, policies such as the Digital Nigeria Programme and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy have sought to create an enabling environment for tech innovation. By empowering young people to engage with these opportunities, #COMMUNICODE2025 complements these efforts, fostering a generation of digital leaders who can drive sustainable development.
Empowering the Next Generation
The #COMMUNICODE2025 competition is open to Nigerians aged 16 to 25, a demographic that represents both the present and future of Nigeria’s workforce. This age group is particularly significant, as it includes secondary school students, university undergraduates, and young professionals who are eager to make their mark. By targeting this group, the APC Youth Wing is tapping into a reservoir of creativity and energy, encouraging participants to think critically about the challenges facing their communities.
The competition’s virtual format ensures accessibility, allowing participants from across Nigeria, including those in remote areas, to submit their entries online. This approach is particularly important in a country where geographical disparities often limit access to opportunities. By leveraging digital platforms, #COMMUNICODE2025 ensures that young Nigerians from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory can participate, fostering a sense of national unity and shared purpose.
The judging process, overseen by a panel of experts, will prioritize solutions that demonstrate creativity, feasibility, and potential for impact. This emphasis on practicality ensures that the competition is not just a showcase of ideas but a platform for actionable solutions that can be scaled to address real-world problems. For instance, a winning proposal might involve a mobile app that connects farmers to markets, reducing post-harvest losses, or a digital platform that provides affordable tutoring for students in underserved areas.
Political and Social Implications
The launch of #COMMUNICODE2025 is not just a youth empowerment initiative; it is also a strategic move by the APC to strengthen its appeal among young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of youth-related issues, including unemployment and the controversial #EndSARS protests of 2020, which highlighted widespread frustration with governance. By launching initiatives like #COMMUNICODE2025, the APC is signaling its commitment to addressing these concerns and engaging young people as active stakeholders in the political process.
Dayo Israel’s leadership of the APC Youth Wing has been characterized by a focus on youth inclusion and empowerment. His efforts to mobilize young Nigerians for the 2023 elections, including the establishment of the APC Youth Wing Campaign Council and the Jagaban Army, were instrumental in securing President Tinubu’s victory. #COMMUNICODE2025 builds on this momentum, positioning the Youth Wing as a proactive force in addressing the aspirations of Nigeria’s youth.
The initiative also has broader implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. By encouraging young people to engage with the digital economy, the APC is aligning itself with a global trend toward technology-driven governance. This could help the party appeal to a younger, more tech-savvy electorate, which is increasingly vocal on platforms like X. Trending discussions on X have highlighted the growing influence of young Nigerians in shaping public discourse, and initiatives like #COMMUNICODE2025 could amplify this trend by giving youth a platform to showcase their ideas.
Challenges and Opportunities
While #COMMUNICODE2025 is a promising initiative, it faces several challenges that could impact its success. One key challenge is ensuring inclusivity, particularly for youth in rural areas with limited access to internet and digital devices. The APC Youth Wing will need to partner with local organizations and government agencies to provide support for participants in underserved communities, such as access to cybercafés or mobile data subsidies.
Another challenge is the perception of political motives behind the competition. Critics may argue that #COMMUNICODE2025 is a ploy to boost the APC’s image rather than a genuine effort to empower youth. To counter this, the Youth Wing must ensure transparency in the judging process and demonstrate tangible outcomes, such as the implementation of winning ideas. Collaborating with independent organizations or tech companies could enhance the competition’s credibility and broaden its impact.
Despite these challenges, #COMMUNICODE2025 presents significant opportunities. By fostering a culture of innovation, the competition could inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers. It also provides the APC with a platform to engage with young Nigerians, many of whom are disillusioned with traditional politics. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other political parties and organizations seeking to empower youth through technology.
The Broader Context: Youth Empowerment in Nigeria
The launch of #COMMUNICODE2025 comes at a time when youth empowerment is a critical issue in Nigeria. With over 60% of the population under 25, Nigeria has one of the youngest demographics in the world. However, this demographic dividend is at risk due to high unemployment, inadequate education systems, and limited access to opportunities. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, youth unemployment stood at 34 Referential Web ID: 0
Other youth empowerment programs in Nigeria, such as the Bet9ja Foundation Young Executive Program and the federal government’s Youth Employment and Empowerment Programme, have sought to address these challenges. However, #COMMUNICODE2025 stands out for its focus on the digital economy, which is particularly relevant in an era of rapid technological advancement. By encouraging young Nigerians to develop digital solutions, the competition aligns with global trends and positions Nigeria’s youth to compete in a technology-driven world.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, initiatives like #COMMUNICODE2025 could play a crucial role in shaping the country’s political and economic future. The competition represents a strategic effort by the APC to engage young Nigerians, foster innovation, and build a new generation of digital leaders. If successful, it could set a precedent for how political parties can empower youth through meaningful, impactful initiatives.
The success of #COMMUNICODE2025 will depend on its ability to deliver on its promises. By providing a platform for young Nigerians to showcase their ideas, the APC Youth Wing is taking a significant step toward addressing the challenges facing the country’s youth. Whether this initiative will translate into lasting change remains to be seen, but for now, it represents a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s young innovators.
In conclusion, the launch of #COMMUNICODE2025 is a testament to the APC Youth Wing’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth and harnessing the potential of the digital economy. Under the leadership of Dayo Israel, the initiative seeks to inspire creativity, foster digital leadership, and address real-world challenges. As young Nigerians prepare to compete for prizes worth over ₦1 million, the nation watches with anticipation, hopeful that this initiative will unlock new opportunities and pave the way for a brighter future.
About the Author
