As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, a coalition of young leaders and stakeholders launched the Future Is Now Project, a national initiative aimed at increasing youth participation in political leadership across the country.
The event took place on Wednesday at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja.
The initiative brought together political figures, civil society leaders, student union executives, and development partners, all of whom emphasised that young Nigerians are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today.
In a statement read by the Convener, Mr. Laolu Akande, the coalition outlined its target objectives for the next election cycle, including securing at least 70 percent of local government chairmanship positions for youths under 35, at least 70 percent of state assembly seats for those under 35, no less than 70 percent of House of Representatives seats contested and won by candidates under 40, and reserving a minimum of 50 percent of executive appointments at federal and state levels for Nigerians under 40.
“To achieve these goals, we will drive political inclusion through lobbying, negotiation, and mobilisation of support for credible youth candidates across all political parties,” Akande said. He added that mentorship programmes, leadership capacity building, and cross-cultural alliances would also form part of the coalition’s strategy to advance governance reforms.
At the event, Interim Chairman of the project, Representative Abdussamad Dasuki, described the launch as more than a meeting, calling it “the ignition of a movement, a national commitment to dramatically expand youth leadership at all levels of governance.” He urged older generations to serve as mentors and guides to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
“Today, we are not just announcing a project, but igniting a movement — one born of sacrifice, fueled by persuasion and courage, and sustained by the dreams of millions of Nigerian youth. The future is not tomorrow; the future is now,” Dasuki declared.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, Dasuki noted that young leaders once played a central role in the country’s formation and early development but have increasingly been sidelined, despite over 70 percent of Nigerians being under 35.
While acknowledging the 2018 signing of the Not Too Young to Run Act as progress, he stated that significant barriers remain to meaningful youth participation.
Citing youth-led movements abroad, including protests in Nepal, Dasuki warned of the dangers of exclusion. “When a large demographic feels excluded from decision-making, frustration festers. We must act now, not only to empower, but to prevent disillusionment that can lead to instability,” he cautioned.
The event also unveiled the interim governance structure of the Future Is Now Project, which will prepare for a larger national gathering in the first quarter of 2026, and launched its membership registration portal at http://www.futureisnow.ng/www.futureisnow.ng
Among the attendees were former Minister of Youth Solomon Dalung, Hon. Ibrahim Bello Haliru, the youngest member of the National Assembly, Hon. Henry Shield, Hon. Salisu Yakassai, and Hon. David Oloto.
Presentations were delivered by Ms. Nicole Nwosu and Mr. Ibrahim Zanna, while goodwill messages came from development partners, civil society leaders, youth and student representatives, and other stakeholders.
