Nigeria's Youth Inspired by Kenya's Gen Z Plan #EndBadGovernanceProtest

Lagos, Nigeria – The success of Kenya’s movement has empowered Nigerian youth to pursue their vision of a more equitable and just society. In a remarkable show of solidarity and inspiration from their Kenyan counterparts, Nigerian youth are gearing up for a nationwide protest on Thursday 1st August, under the banner of #EndBadGovernanceProtest.

The #EndBadGovernanceProtest seeks to address the pressing issues of corruption, unemployment, and poor governance that have plagued Nigeria for decades.

Kenya’s Gen Z recently captured global attention with their bold demands for political accountability and reform, setting a precedent for other African nations. The Kenyan youth’s call for transparency, fairness, and responsible governance has resonated deeply with Nigeria’s young population, who see similar challenges in their own country.

Echoes of #EndSARS
The planned protests in Nigeria evoke memories of the #EndSARS movement, a massive protest against police brutality that shook the nation in October 2020. While #EndSARS specifically targeted police misconduct, the #EndBadGovernanceProtest aims to tackle broader systemic issues, including economic mismanagement, electoral malpractice, and government inefficiency.

Akinwale Aderibigbe, a 24-year-old student from Lagos, articulated the sentiments of many young Nigerians: “We are tired of the empty promises and lack of accountability. Our Kenyan brothers and sisters have shown us that we can demand change. It’s time for the Nigerian government to listen to the voice of its youth.”

Leveraging the Power of Social Media
Like in Kenya’s  #RejectFinanceBill and #OccupyParliament protests, social media platforms have been instrumental in organizing the anti-bad governance protest in Nigeria , with hashtags like #EndBadGovernanceProtest trending on Twitter and Instagram. Activists are using these platforms to mobilize support, share information, and coordinate peaceful demonstrations across major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Nigerian youths are also drawing inspiration from the digital-savvy strategies employed by Kenya’s Gen Z, who effectively used social media to amplify their message and garner international attention.

A Growing Pan-African Movement
The #EndBadGovernanceProtest highlights a growing trend among African youths who are increasingly unwilling to accept the status quo. From South Africa to Zimbabwe, young people across the continent are demanding better governance, transparency, and opportunities.

Kenya’s Gen Z movement has sparked a pan-African dialogue on the power of youth activism and the role of young people in shaping the political landscape.