NEWSNEXUS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

By Abraham Maina Joda, Publisher, NewsNexus

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, youth mobilisation has emerged as a major factor in Taraba State’s political landscape. In this exclusive interview with NewsNexus, the Convener of StreetBoys 4 STARBOY, Dr. David Charima, discusses the vision behind the movement, its grassroots mobilisation strategy, the role of the creative industry, and plans to support Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’ re-election bid.

—

NewsNexus: StreetBoys 4 STARBOY has rapidly gained visibility across Taraba State, particularly in Jalingo and on social media platforms. What exactly is the movement about?

Dr. David Charima:

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with NewsNexus.

StreetBoys 4 STARBOY is a youth-driven political mobilisation movement established to promote the vision, leadership and achievements of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State, while supporting his re-election bid in 2027.

As the substantive coordinating leader, acting under the direction and endorsement of Hon. Danladi Baido Tijos, Director-General of the Agbu Kefas Campaign Organization 2027, my responsibility is to provide innovative leadership by harnessing the creativity, energy and talents of young people across Taraba State.

Our objective is to build a vibrant structure that effectively engages youths both online and offline in all 16 local government areas of the state.

NewsNexus: The movement’s slogan is “From the Streets… To the Screens… To the Ballot.” How do you intend to translate that slogan into reality?

Dr. David Charima:

Our strategy rests on three interconnected pillars.

The first is the Streets, where we engage directly with people through street walks, community outreach programmes, rallies and public engagements in markets, schools, motor parks, wards and polling units across Taraba State.

The second is the Screens. Politics today is increasingly digital. We are investing heavily in social media through creative videos, memes, skits, testimonials and other engaging content capable of reaching young people wherever they are. Our belief is simple: if our message is not connecting online, then we must improve the way we communicate.

The final pillar is the Ballot. Every mobilisation effort is ultimately aimed at translating enthusiasm into votes through an organised polling-unit structure that ensures effective coordination before and during elections.

—

NewsNexus: Your movement has set a target of mobilising 300,000 votes. How achievable is that objective?

Dr. David Charima:

It is certainly ambitious, but we believe it is realistic.

We have developed two mobilisation models. One involves building a network of 30,000 members, with each member influencing ten voters. The second focuses on 3,000 highly committed members, each mobilising one hundred voters.

Either model delivers the same target of 300,000 votes.

With an average of about 178 StreetBoys members across each of Taraba’s 168 political wards, we believe comprehensive grassroots coverage is achievable. Every member matters, and every vote counts.

—

NewsNexus: You have repeatedly emphasised the importance of the creative industry. What role do creatives play in this movement?

Dr. David Charima:

Young people possess enormous creative potential, and we intend to channel that energy into constructive political participation.

We are encouraging musicians to produce campaign songs, comedians to engage audiences through entertainment, videographers and photographers to document activities, content creators to develop compelling digital campaigns, and influencers to amplify our message across social media platforms.

Politics has evolved, and youth engagement must evolve with it. Creativity is now an essential tool for mobilisation.

—

NewsNexus: Critics often argue that political movements are concentrated in urban centres, especially Jalingo. How will you ensure that rural communities are fully represented?

Dr. David Charima:

Our organisational structure is intentionally decentralised.

We are establishing leadership structures at the state, local government, ward and polling-unit levels, with coordinators and ward captains in each of the 16 local government areas.

Our mobilisation will reflect the geographical spread of Governor Agbu Kefas’ development initiatives. Whether in Gassol, Wukari, Takum, Gashaka, Kurmi, Donga, Karim Lamido, Lau or Sardauna, our objective is to maintain an active grassroots presence throughout the state.

—

NewsNexus: Many young people have become disillusioned with politics. What message do you have for them?

Dr. David Charima:

My message is simple: this is your opportunity to shape the future.

Young people should not remain on the sidelines while decisions affecting their future are being made. We believe Governor Agbu Kefas has demonstrated a youth-friendly approach to governance, and StreetBoys 4 STARBOY provides a platform through which young people can participate meaningfully in the democratic process.

Rather than merely observing, we encourage them to become active contributors to the future of Taraba State.

—

NewsNexus: Finally, what is your message to the people of Taraba as preparations for the 2027 elections continue?

Dr. David Charima:

Our movement is focused, organised and strategic.

We are committed to building a broad-based grassroots network that will support Governor Agbu Kefas’ re-election campaign across Taraba State. By God’s grace, we are confident of delivering a strong electoral outcome.

Our guiding philosophy remains unchanged:

From the Streets… To the Screens… To the Ballot.

—

NewsNexus:

Dr. David Charima, Convener of StreetBoys 4 STARBOY, thank you for speaking with NewsNexus.

Dr. David Charima:

Thank you, Abraham Maina Joda, and thank you to NewsNexus for this opportunity.

—

Editor’s Note

This interview is published as part of NewsNexus’ commitment to promoting informed public discourse by providing a platform for diverse voices on issues of public interest. The opinions, claims, projections and political views expressed by the interviewee are solely those of Dr. David Charima and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of NewsNexus. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the issues discussed critically and in the broader context of democratic engagement.