By Omoniyi David
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigerian youths to go beyond online complaints and get actively involved in nation-building. He made the call in Abuja during the launch of the Take Action Campaign (TAC), an initiative of the Youth in Parliament Forum (YIPF) aimed at preparing young Nigerians for leadership roles.
Abbas, represented by Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, stressed that although youths make up over 60% of Nigeria’s population, their participation in governance is still low. He said Nigerian youths must begin to reflect their numbers in leadership and policymaking, adding that if they fail to push for change through structured engagement, they are missing their role in national development.
He reminded them that relocating abroad doesn’t erase their identity, and regardless of foreign citizenship, they remain Nigerians with a duty to their country. He encouraged young people to stop being passive observers and start monitoring government policies, asking the right questions, and participating in civic responsibilities.
YIPF Director-General, Tony Nwulu, said the campaign is designed to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape by inspiring, mentoring, and supporting young Nigerians to contest elections. He outlined a four-part plan that includes building political structures in all 36 states and the FCT, promoting voter education, and ensuring more youths emerge as lawmakers by 2027.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, represented by Moses Okezie-Okafor, said the time has come to open up the political space for young people, not just in words but with real action and opportunities.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, represented by Chika Abazu, also threw his weight behind the campaign, noting that over 40% of his cabinet consists of youths. He said young people have the drive, energy, and ideas to move the country forward and urged them to make sure the doors they enter through remain open for others behind them.
