Engage In Governance To Shape Nig’s Future – Speaker Urges Youths

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, has called on young Nigerians to move beyond online criticism and engage meaningfully in governance to help shape the nation’s future.

Speaking in Abuja at the launch of the Take Action Campaign, themed “Awakening a Generation: Youthful Leadership for a New Nigeria,” the speaker said young people must see themselves as active participants in the present, not just the future.

Represented by, chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Ayodeji Alao-Akala, Dr Abbas said despite making up over 60% of the population, youths remain underrepresented in leadership roles, Tajudeen noted.

He encouraged them to take advantage of laws like the Not Too Young to Run Act to contest for elective positions and shape policy.

He also voiced support for a bill seeking to reserve legislative seats for women, suggesting it could change the national conversation.

“Imagine if over 100 seats were reserved for women and more than 70 were filled by women under 35. That would change everything,” he said.

Addressing the trend of mass emigration, popularly known as “japa,” the speaker urged youths to reconsider the belief that opportunities abroad are the ultimate solution.

“Even with a blue passport, you’re a second-class citizen. This is your land, your mission, your birthright,” he said.

The Director General of the Youth in Parliament Forum, Tony Nwulu, said the campaign aims to transform Nigeria’s political space by mobilizing and mentoring youths to run for office.

He unveiled a four-point strategy focused on grassroots political structures, voter engagement, and the election of young leaders by 2027.

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who was represented by the research director Moses Okezie-Okafor, praised the initiative as the next phase of the Not Too Young to Run movement, calling it a time for youths to lead.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma also backed the campaign, saying that Imo already reflects the campaign’s ideals, with youths making up more than 40% of his cabinet.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji