28, February 2026 LAGOS, NIGERIA
A youth-led platform bringing together ideas, voices, and solutions shaping Nigeria’s culture, economy, and politics.
Brought to you by
In Partnership with
The Citizen Townhall is Zikoko Citizen’s flagship event, organized in partnership with Luminate and Open Society Foundation. It serves as a platform to bring together stakeholders to discuss the pivotal role of young people in democracy and development.
Through this event, we aim to explore innovative ways to design initiatives for and with young people, using insights from The Citizen Report.
This gathering will convene key stakeholders from the development and media sectors, young change-makers, policymakers, thought leaders, and journalists to foster actionable conversations and strategies for inclusive youth participation in governance.
Interactive sessions for actionable strategies
Panels featuring leading voices in media and development
Launch of the citizen report
Networking opportunities
9:00 am
Welcoming attendees and setting the stage for the event. Speaker: Tomiwa Aladekomo
9:00 am
9:15 am
Speaker: Toyin Akinnyi, VP, Africa of Luminate
9:15 am
9:45 am
Focus: Historical context and accountability. It seeks to look at the following: How Nigeria’s social and economic conditions have shifted. What policy decisions mattered and which didn’t. Why context is essential for informed civic choices. Speakers: Busola Ajibola, and Mahmud Jafaar Moderator: Osaruonamen Ibizugbe
9:45 am
10:25 am
Focus: Women and youth in governance. It seeks to look at the following: What happens when women are visible in power. What youth participation has meant historically. How representation shapes budgets, priorities, and outcomes. Speakers: Samad Uthman, and Ope Adetayo Moderator: Chigozie Victor
10:25 am
11:05 am
This is the heart of the Townhall. It is an immersive, interactive exhibition built from insights in The Citizen Report and the event’s theme. As participants walk through the space, they should confront the idea that the Nigerian life is shaped by systems, decisions, absences, and pressure points, not abstract politics.
11:05 am
11:35 am
This is where the theme becomes human. This session should explore how a single life has been shaped, and reshaped, by Nigeria’s systems, and how that individual learned to navigate, challenge, or change them. It should feel intimate, reflective, and honest, offering vulnerability rather than performance.
11:35 am
11:50 am
Focus: Civic action and accountability. It seeks to look at the following: Where pressure actually works in Nigeria’s governance system. What citizens can realistically demand and how. The role of media, culture, and collective action. Speakers: Titi Fadare, and Gbemi Adebowale Moderator: Zubaida Baba Ibrahim
11:50 am
12:30 pm
Open floor for reflections, key takeaways, and audience
12:30 pm
1:00 pm
1:00 pm
Who do I contact for more information?
How do I access the event virtually?
Will there be opportunities for networking?
What is The Citizen Report?
What is the event schedule?
Can I attend the event virtually?
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a registration deadline?
How can I register for the event?
Who should attend the event?
Who is organizing The Citizen Townhall?
When and where is the event taking place?
What is The Citizen Townhall?