Abbas to youths: Move beyond online criticism, get involved in nation-building

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, has asked youths to move beyond criticising the government online to actively participating in nation-building.

Abbas admonished the youth on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch of the Take Action Campaign (TAC) — an initiative of the Youth in Parliament Forum (YIPF) — designed to empower young Nigerians to assume leadership roles in politics and public service.

Represented by Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, chairman of the house committee on youth in parliament, Abbas urged young Nigerians to engage constructively with the government on governance issues.

He said while young people make up more than 60 percent of Nigeria’s population, their impact on leadership and policy-making remains limited.

“The youths are not just the future, they are the present. They must begin to reflect their numbers in the governance of this nation,” Abbas said.

“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 were occupied by women under 35. That would change the national conversation entirely.”

Abbas said moving abroad does not erase young people’s roots or identity.

“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.

“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.”

Tony Nwulu, director-general of YIPF, said the TAC aims to transform Nigeria’s political landscape by empowering young Nigerians to run for office.

He detailed the campaign’s four-part strategy: inspiring, guiding, and backing young candidates across all levels of leadership; establishing political structures in the 36 states and the FCT to equip youth for active participation; rolling out voter education initiatives to engage and inform young electorates; and paving the way for the election of young lawmakers into state and national assemblies by 2027.

“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 legislate, innovate, and govern,” Nwulu said.

Ahmed Ododo, governor of Kogi, represented by Moses Okezie-Okafor, director-general of research and development, said the political space needs to be opened up for youths.

“This is not just about talk, it’s time to lead,” he said. 

“Let everyone give the youth the opportunity, immediately, now, and in the present.”

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, said his administration supports youth inclusion, noting that over 40 percent of the state cabinet is youth.

Represented by Chika Abazu, commissioner for special duties, Uzodimma said youths have the energy and entrepreneurial spirit to drive development.

“We have a whole brand-new country to build. This campaign only becomes meaningful when those who enter leadership through it leave the door open behind them,” he said.