By Mercy Aikoye
The Take Action Campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians to take up leadership roles in politics and public service, has been launched. The campaign, spearheaded by the Youth in Parliament Forum (YIPF), seeks to address the under-representation of youth in governance.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, urged young people to view themselves not merely as the leaders of tomorrow, but as the key drivers of Nigeria’s present transformation. “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.
Despite comprising over 60% of Nigeria’s population, young people’s influence in decision-making and governance remains minimal. Abbas 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.
The Speaker highlighted the significance of legislative reforms such as the Not Too Young to Run Act, which has opened the space for youth participation. He cited the example of Hon. Mohammed from Kebbi State, who was elected into the House at just 26 years old.
Abbas also lent his support to legislative efforts to improve gender inclusiveness, referencing a bill currently before the House that seeks to reserve seats for women in the National Assembly. “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 said.
The Director General of YIPF, Hon. Tony Nwulu, underscored the urgency of youth participation in governance. He described the Take Action Campaign as a national awakening, a call to action, to participation, and to leadership.
The campaign’s approach includes mobilizing, mentoring, and supporting young aspirants, building structures in all 36 states and the FCT, launching voter engagement strategies, and facilitating the election of young legislators into state and national assemblies.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, praised the Take Action Campaign, describing it as the logical progression from the Not Too Young to Run movement. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, aligned his state with the objectives of the campaign, saying it reflects the reality already being shaped in Imo.
Abbas urged young Nigerians 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,” he said. He appealed to Nigeria’s young population to get involved, monitor policies, ask hard questions, and make noise where it matters.
