The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called on Nigerian youths to actively participate in the nation’s political processes. Speaking at the unveiling of the Take Action Campaign in Abuja, he emphasized that young Nigerians must reflect their significant numbers in governance.
“The youth are not just the future; they are the present. It’s time to engage,” he stated. The campaign, initiated by the Youth in Parliament Forum, aims to empower young Nigerians to assume leadership roles. Abbas highlighted that although youths make up over 60% of Nigeria’s population, their influence in governance remains limited.
Abbas pointed to the Not Too Young to Run Act as a critical step toward increasing youth participation. He cited the election of Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed at just 26 as an example of what can be achieved with more inclusive systems. “Imagine if over 100 seats were reserved for women, many occupied by those under 35. That would change the national conversation entirely,” he added.
On the issue of young Nigerians leaving the country for better opportunities, Abbas urged them to reconsider escape as a solution: “Even abroad, you might still be seen as a second-class citizen. This is your land, your mission.”
Tony Nwulu, Director General of the Youth in Parliament Forum, underscored the urgency of youth involvement in governance, stating that the campaign marks the beginning of a transformative political consciousness. Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, praised the Take Action Campaign as a necessary evolution from previous movements, while Imo State’s representation highlighted the empowerment of youth within the state cabinet.
The Take Action Campaign represents a significant push for youth engagement in Nigerian politics, aiming to foster a new generation of leaders ready to take charge of their nation’s future.
