There’s no need for ‘gramma’, long tin, or story story because in this case, fact is fact: the way Nigeria’s youth participates in the upcoming election, from voter registration to the actual voting day, will fundamentally shape the type of Nigeria one can expect for the next 4 years.

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous company, but more importantly, over 70% of it’s population are under the age of 30.  Reflection on how powerful that 70% can be as a voting block is pretty much what #ifNaijaVotes is about: youth participation through one of the most integral expressions of civilian strength available – one’s vote.

#IfNaijaVotes is a collective effort for change, spearheaded by Vote or Quench, a social media and online platform created to inform and interact with Nigeria’s youth on electoral issues. VorQ is teaming up with several other youth empowerment groups and blogs for a push to raise awareness about the critical and fundamental registration period taking place for two weeks between January 15th and January 29th, 2011. Today, January 11th, 2011, the initiative’s supporters are encouraging their supporters to donate their status on various social media platforms using the hashtag: #IfNaijaVotes. The hashtag will serve to encourage the youth to question what proper leadership in Nigeria could do to change the country, highlighting the importance of their participation in the electoral process.

Nigeria is at a critical point in her history and we need a new direction. Sitting silent is not an option. Change is a collective effort and we need to work together and do our individual part in demanding new leadership. It won’t happen overnight but it can start today if go out and register to vote.

Support and join the conversation and the efforts to change Nigeria’s future for the better. Check out the #ifNaijaVotes page on fb and the thread on twitter now!