The organisational structure of the APC National Youth Wing is designed to be agile, responsive, and conducive to fostering youth empowerment and mobilisation down to the grassroot level. At the helm of this structure is the National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, who manages an extensive youth structure present and active in all 36 states of the country, and this structure is manned by elected Zonal, State, Senatorial, and Local Government Youth Leaders who serve as important stakeholders of the Youth Wing. This hierarchical framework aligns with constitutional mandates, ensuring a seamless flow of communication and directives.
National Youth Leader: The National Youth Leader is the chief executive officer of the APC National Youth Wing, entrusted with the responsibility of providing visionary leadership and strategic direction. This role involves initiating and implementing strategic programmes that would endear the party to Nigerian Youth, as well as coordinating with other party leaders and aligning youth initiatives with the overarching goals of the APC. The National Youth Leader is the face of the youth wing, interfacing with stakeholders, government officials, and the media to amplify the voice of the youth.
Zonal, State, and Senatorial Youth Leaders: Directly reporting to the National Youth Leader are the Zonal and State Youth Leaders. They also provide advisory and consultative function to the National Youth leader. The Zonal, State, and Senatorial Youth Leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective implementation of youth-focused programs within their respective jurisdictions. Quarterly meetings, as outlined in the strategic plan, serve as forums for aligning strategies, sharing best practices, and reinforcing a cohesive approach to youth mobilization.
Local Government Area (LGA) and Ward Youth Leaders: At the grassroots level, the organizational structure extends to include LGA and Ward Youth Leaders. These leaders serve as the boots on the ground, responsible for executing community-based initiatives, engaging with local youth, and disseminating information about the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They work in tandem with the State and Senatorial Youth leaders to ensure a synchronized approach to youth engagement.
Polling Unit Youth Leaders: The organizational structure drills down further to include Polling Unit Youth Leaders, creating a decentralized network that enables targeted and localized mobilization efforts. These leaders are essential in reaching youth at the grassroots level, understanding their unique needs, and building support for the APC.
Directorates and Units: To support the implementation of various programmatic focus areas at the National Youth Wing, specialized directorates are established within the organizational structure. These include the Directorate of Admin and Operations, Directorate of Programmes, Directorate of Membership Services, Directorate of Training and Human Capital Development, Directorate of Communications, Progressive Student Directorate, Young Progressive Women Unit. Each directorate is headed by a director and the unit a Coordinator, who oversees the planning, execution, and evaluation of initiatives falling within their purview.
Jagaban Army (JA) Volunteer Corps: Complementing the formal leadership structure is a dynamic Volunteer Corps initiated by the National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel. This corps consists of enthusiastic young individuals committed to actively participating in APC youth initiatives. They serve as ambassadors, facilitators, and implementers of programs at the community level. The JA-Volunteer Corps is a crucial element in ensuring the broad reach and impact of youth-focused activities. They are more member driven and have their autonomy within the overall structure of the National Youth Leaders Office.
Advisory Council: To provide strategic guidance and insights, The National Youth Leader will inaugurate an Advisory Council comprising of Former National Youth Leaders and experienced individuals with a proven track record in youth development, politics, and related fields. The Advisory Council will advise and support the National Youth Leader in shaping the long-term vision, evaluating program effectiveness, and navigating challenges.
This organizational structure of the APC Youth Wing is designed to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and efficiency. It leverages a combination of formal leadership roles, specialized directorates, grassroots leaders, and a dynamic Volunteer Corps to create a cohesive framework for achieving the strategic goals outlined in the action plan.
“As the APC National Youth Wing navigates the post-election landscape, the focus remains on transforming electoral victories into tangible improvements in the lives of the youth, aligning our party manifesto with the Renewed Hope agenda for a better Nigeria.”