The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said the government must consider how its policies, programmes, and budgets affect the youth, who are one of the major drivers of development.
Abbas said the youth, as leaders of tomorrow, should be empowered, nurtured, and motivated for the leadership roles they are about to take. He, however, stated that young Nigerians should also be willing to take leadership responsibilities.
The Speaker said this while declaring the opening of a Youth Town Hall on the 2025 Budget at the National Assembly Abuja on Monday. This is the second in a series of engagements between the Speaker and Nigerian youths, the first of which was on July 31.
While noting that the importance of engagement could not be overstated, Speaker Abbas recalled that at the first Youth Town Hall, he promised to institutionalise regular engagement with the youth, who are “our nation’s young people.”
He said: “This gathering highlights the vital role of your voice in shaping the future of our nation. It acknowledges that you, the youth of Nigeria, are not just the leaders of tomorrow but active participants in the governance and development of today.
“Your energy, creativity, and resilience are transforming every sector of our society, from agriculture to technology, arts, sports, and entrepreneurship. Across these fields, you demonstrate that Nigerian youth can achieve greatness with the proper support and opportunities.
“Yet, we must ask ourselves: how can you do even more? How can we, as leaders, create an enabling environment that allows your potential to flourish fully? This dialogue is, therefore, so important to explore how government policies, budgets, and programmes can better support you in taking your rightful place as drivers of national development.”
The Speaker said all the stakeholders at the town hall must also discuss a critical subject that affects not just your future but the very future of our nation: leadership recruitment.
He noted that building the next generation of leaders must not be left to chance. He added that political parties, as key institutions of democracy, have an urgent role in identifying, nurturing, and empowering young people to assume leadership positions.
In recognition of the young people’s incredible potential, Speaker Abbas recalled that the National Assembly enacted the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ Act, which lowered the age requirement for elective offices.
He said the landmark legislation opened up new opportunities for young Nigerians to actively participate in governance, enabling those with the vision, energy, and competence to step forward.
“However, more than the law is needed; political parties must take this further by deliberately mentoring and supporting young aspirants, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed.
“Across Africa and beyond, young people are demonstrating that they can excel when provided the opportunity to lead,” Speaker Abbas said, stressing, “They are a clarion call to Nigeria and the world that investing in young people’s leadership potential pays dividends for society as a whole.”
The Speaker stated: “Preparation is, therefore, non-negotiable in leadership. It requires education, exposure, mentorship, and a strong sense of duty and integrity. Young Nigerians must intentionally prepare themselves to lead politically and in every sphere of society.
“I call on political parties to take their mandate to scout for and develop young talents seriously, ensuring that leadership succession is deliberate and inclusive. The future of our democracy and the survival of our institutions hinges on this.”
