Abbas tasks youths on governance

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has tasked youths in the country to use their numbers to impact positively on governance in the country.

Abbas, who stated this while speaking at the Take Action Campaign organised by the Youth in Parliament Forum (YIPF) on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Abuja, implored young persons to take deliberate action to shape the country’s political future.

The speaker, represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, noted that while youths account for over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population, their influence in decision-making and governance in the country is still minimal.

He stressed the need for young people to be more deliberate about entering public service, engaging with laws, and actively shaping policies that affect their lives.

According to him, “The youth are not just the future, they are the present. They must begin to reflect their numbers in the governance of this nation. If we cannot articulate the change we want or push for it through structured engagement, then what are we doing?”

“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.”

Abbas, while speaking on the “japa syndrome”, said, “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.”

Consequently, he urged youths to get more actively involved in the affairs of the country, stating, “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.”

The Director General of the Youth in Parliament Forum (YIPF), Tony Nwulu, while speaking at the event, said the “Take Action Campaign” is geared towards empowering young Nigerians to run for office and take charge of their future.

Nwulu said, “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.”