The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigerian youths to go beyond social media rants and take intentional actions to influence governance and shape Nigeria’s future.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the launch of the Take Action Campaign, themed “Awakening a Generation: Youthful Leadership for a New Nigeria,” Abbas stated that young people must see themselves as vital players in Nigeria’s present, not just its future.

Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, Abbas criticised the low representation of young people in decision-making processes despite making up over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population.

He called on them to utilise legislative reforms, including the Not Too Young to Run Act, to take up elective positions and influence policy.

Using the example of Hon. Mohammed from Kebbi State, elected to the House at 26, Abbas encouraged more young Nigerians to follow his lead.

He also promoted constructive engagement with a bill before the House that aims to reserve seats for women, emphasising its potential to transform the national conversation.

“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.

In addressing the growing trend of young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, a phenomenon known as “japa”, the Speaker urged the youth 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.

“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), Hon. Tony Nwulu, emphasised the urgency of youth participation in governance.

He stated that the unveiling of the Take Action Campaign, a youth-driven movement, has a singular mission to transform Nigeria’s political landscape by empowering young Nigerians to run for office and take charge of their future.

He outlined the four-pronged approach of the campaign, which involves mobilising, mentoring, and supporting young aspirants at all levels of governance; building structures in all 36 states and the FCT to prepare youth for political participation; launching voter engagement strategies to activate and educate youth voting blocs; and facilitating the election of young legislators into state and national assemblies by 2027.

He described TAC as more than just a campaign, calling it a national awakening, a call to action, participation, and leadership.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, praised the Take Action Campaign, which he regarded as the logical progression from the Not Too Young to Run movement.

Represented by the State’s Director General of Research and Development, Moses Okezie-Okafor, he described himself as a product of that political opportunity, having served in the state’s executive council across two administrations.

“Some youths decided to take action, and the political space opened up. This campaign is the action phase. This is not just about talk, it’s time to lead,” he added.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State aligned the state with the objectives of the Take Action Campaign, saying it reflects the reality already being shaped in Imo.

Represented by Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Chika Abazu, he said, “This campaign couldn’t have come at a better time. In Imo, youth are not only appointed, they are empowered. Over 40 per cent of the state cabinet is youth. I benefited from the Not Too Young to Run movement and now serve as commissioner.”

He urged young Nigerians not only to aspire but also to perform and to view their roles as part of a larger developmental value chain.