The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called on Nigerian youth to step beyond passive engagement and actively shape the nation’s future by participating in politics and governance. This call was made on Tuesday in Abuja during the official launch of the Take Action Campaign, themed “Awakening a Generation: Youthful Leadership for a New Nigeria.”
Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Hon. Martins Esin, the Speaker said the time had come for Nigerian youth to translate their population strength—over 60% of the country’s total—into real political power and leadership.
“The youth are not just the future; they are the present. They must begin to reflect their numbers in the governance of this nation,” Abbas declared.
The Take Action Campaign, an initiative of the Youth in Parliament Forum, is a nationwide political awakening movement designed to equip and encourage young Nigerians to pursue leadership roles across all levels of government.
Speaker Abbas lamented the continued underrepresentation of youth in politics, despite progressive reforms such as the *Not Too Young to Run Act*. He cited the example of Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed, who was elected to the House at just 26, as proof that the system is beginning to open up for youth inclusion.
“Imagine if over 100 seats were reserved for women and more than 70 of those seats were held by women under 35. That would shift the entire national conversation,” he said, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and representation.
Addressing the ongoing *‘Japa’* trend—where young Nigerians seek opportunities abroad—the Speaker urged a change in mindset.
“Even with a blue passport abroad, you’re still a second-class citizen. No one can take your Nigerian identity. This is your land, your mission, your birthright,” he said. “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.”
Tony Nwulu, Director General of the Youth in Parliament Forum and convener of the campaign, said Take Action is the logical next step in Nigeria’s youth political evolution. He framed the campaign as a movement — not just a message — focused on empowering a new generation to legislate, innovate, and govern.
“Today’s unveiling marks the beginning of a journey that will see the rise of a new political consciousness, one led by young Nigerians ready to shape the future,” Nwulu said.
Also speaking at the event, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, represented by the State’s DG of Research and Development, Moses Okezie-Okafor, praised the campaign, describing it as the “action phase” of the Not Too Young to Run movement. He cited Kogi’s success in youth and gender inclusion, including the appointment of women as deputy chairpersons across all local governments and in top state offices.
In alignment, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Chika Abazu, said the campaign comes at a time when youth empowerment is already taking root in Imo State, where over 40% of the state cabinet comprises young people.
“This campaign only becomes meaningful when those who enter leadership through it leave the door open behind them,” Dr. Abazu said.
The Take Action Campaign aims to expand the gains of earlier youth advocacy efforts and translate youth enthusiasm into political representation ahead of the 2027 general elections. As Nigeria grapples with complex economic and social challenges, the campaign’s proponents argue that a new, youthful wave of leadership may be the spark needed for real change.
