The #BeADecider campaign is a bold initiative aimed at transforming the political landscape in Nigeria, by encouraging young people to actively participate in the election and governance processes. The campaign seeks to mobilize one million youths within the next four years to become active decision-makers in their communities and the country at large. Through civic education and voter sensitization, #BeADecider aims to equip young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their leaders and governance.

At its core, #BeADecider is about promoting civic responsibility and creating a culture of active citizenship. By leveraging the power of technology and social media, the campaign seeks to engage and inspire a new generation of leaders who are committed to shaping the future of Nigeria. Whether it’s voting, running for office, or engaging in advocacy and activism, the campaign believes that every young person has the power to make a difference and contribute to positive change.

In August 2021, the #BeADecider campaign was implemented in Osun State, Nigeria, with a team of 15 members through the Future Builders Initiative. The campaign was a Civic Education and Voters Sensitization Project initiated to encourage young people of voting age to participate in the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in Osun State in preparation for the 2022 gubernatorial election. Through the simplified INEC online voter registration platform, the campaign registered over 1,000 intending eligible voters in Osogbo Local Government through our registration points in markets and youth events. The impact of the awareness campaign was evident, as Osun State was one of the leading states with the highest number of registered voters in the 2021–2022 Continuous Voters Registration exercise.

In 2022, with the support of YIAGA Africa and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the campaign was implemented in Osogbo, the state capital, and Olorunda Local Government of the state, with advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, motor parks, youth events within the state, and many others. This initiative contributed to an increase in voter turnout, with 42.16% of registered voters participating in the election, which was a significant improvement from the Anambra Governorship Election that was conducted earlier in November 2021 with just 10.38% voter turnout. The election was also peaceful and adjudged to be one of the freest and fairest elections in recent times in Nigeria.

In 2023, with support from the Nigeria Youth Future Funds implemented by LEAP Africa and funded by the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation, the campaign was extended to all 30 local governments in Osun State in the General Elections. The initiative included the training of 60 community mobilizers across the state to further deepen the message of political participation in the rural areas. The campaign reached and mobilized over 100,000 persons, particularly the youths, through advocacy campaigns to tertiary institutions, youth events, markets, social media campaigns, and youth stakeholder engagement.

Overall, the #BeADecider campaign is an important initiative that aims to promote civic responsibility, create a culture of active citizenship, and increase youth participation in the electoral process in Nigeria. By empowering young people with the necessary knowledge and skills, the campaign believes that Nigeria can build a more inclusive and equitable society that promotes good governance, democracy, and sustainable development.