The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigerian youths to take active part in the nation’s political process.
The Speaker gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja at the unveiling of the Take Action Campaign with the theme, “Awakening a generation: Youthful leadership for a new Nigeria.”
Represented at the event by the Chairman, House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Abbas urged young Nigerians to make the most of their numbers in the nation’s political trajectory.
“The youth are not just the future, they are the present. They must begin to reflect their numbers in the governance of this nation,” he said.
The Take Action Campaign, spearheaded by the Youth in Parliament Forum, is a nationwide initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians to take up leadership roles in politics and public service.
Abbas lamented that despite youths comprising over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population, their influence in decision-making and governance remains minimal.
“If we cannot articulate the change we want or push for it through structured engagement, then what are we doing?” he asked.
Highlighting the significance of legislative reforms such as the Not Too Young to Run Act, the Speaker noted that the National Assembly had already begun opening the space for youth participation.
He referenced the example of Hon Ibrahim Mohammed from Kebbi State, who was elected into the House at just 26 years old, as a clear sign of what is possible when the system becomes more inclusive.
“Imagine if over 100 seats were reserved for women, and more than 70 of those seats were occupied by women under 35. That would change the national conversation entirely,” he added.
On the ‘Japa’ phenomenon, which has seen many young Nigerians leave for greener pastures abroad, the Speaker urged the youth to rethink the idea of escape as a permanent solution.
“Even with a blue passport abroad, you’re still a second-class citizen. No one can ever take your Nigerian identity from you. This is your land, your mission, your birthright.
“Don’t just sit behind your devices criticising. Get involved. Monitor policies. Ask hard questions. Make noise where it matters. We have no other country but this one. So let us rise and take action,” he stressed.
The Director General of the Youth in Parliament Forum, Tony Nwulu, emphasised the urgency of youth participation in governance.
He noted that the unveiling of the Take Action Campaign, a youth-driven movement, had a singular mission to transform Nigeria’s political landscape by empowering young Nigerians to run for office and take charge of their future.
“Today’s unveiling marks the beginning of a journey that will see the rise of a new political consciousness, one led by young Nigerians who are ready to legislate, innovate, and govern,” Nwulu said.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, praised the Take Action Campaign, which was described as the logical progression from the Not Too Young to Run movement.
Represented by the State’s Director General of Research and Development, Moses Okezie-Okafor, he described himself as a product of that political opportunity, having served in the state’s executive council across two administrations.
“Some youths decided to take action, and the political space opened up. This campaign is the action phase. This is not just about talk, it’s time to lead,” he said.
He cited Kogi’s unique gender inclusion model, where all local government deputy chairpersons are women.
He said, “The Secretary to the State Government and the Accountant General are also women. The goal is to create a deliberate, balanced political structure that allows women and young people to thrive.”
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