Dr. Mairo Mandara, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Support to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has urged Nigerian youths to create space for themselves in politics, saying leadership does not happen by chance.

Mandara made the call on Wednesday during the third edition of the Northern Youth in Crisis Conference organized by ActionAid Nigeria, in collaboration with key partners, in Maiduguri.

She noted that the future of Nigeria rests on the shoulders of its youth, who make up over 60 percent of the country’s population but remain underrepresented in elective offices.

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“You should create space for yourselves in politics and take over. It’s against human nature to willingly relinquish power, but you have to beat them at their game and seize the opportunity,” she said.

Mandara cautioned young people against spending excessive time on social media without translating their energy into civic action.

“Some of you don’t even have voter registration cards. If you don’t have one, you have no right to complain about leaders or politics. Get your voter card. You don’t have to use it, but keep it — so that when the time comes and you’ve had enough, you can step in and make a difference,” she advised.

She also urged youths to support one another and participate actively in governance rather than staying on the sidelines.

“If you sit and only abuse politicians online, you’ll remain frustrated. Many say politics is dirty — but if you stay away, you’ll continue to be led by dirty hands,” she said.

Mandara further challenged the youth to raise their standards and aspire for leadership positions.

“Look at some people in the National Assembly — a few can’t even articulate two sentences correctly or understand their responsibilities. Up your game, prove you can do it, and it will be given to you,” she added.

The governor’s aide, who also coordinates sustainable development, partnerships, and humanitarian support, warned young workers in aid organizations to invest wisely.

“Stop spending all your earnings on shawarma. Invest in agriculture, because humanitarian funding will not last forever — and I pray it dries up in my lifetime,” she said.

The conference, themed “RESET: Rethinking Engagement, Security, Empowerment, and Transformation for Youth in Northeast Nigeria,” brought together youth from Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, alongside policymakers, NGOs, donors, and humanitarian actors.