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Abbas Charges Youths To Take Deliberate Action To Shape Nigeria’s Political Future

Published

12 months ago

July 29, 2025

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By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigerian youths to rise beyond rhetoric and take deliberate action to shape the country’s political future.

Speaker Abbas stated this at the launch of the Take Action Campaign themed: “Awakening a Generation: Youthful Leadership for a New Nigeria”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Speaker who was represented by the Chairman House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Rep. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, called on young people to see themselves not only as leaders of tomorrow, but as key drivers of Nigeria’s present transformation.

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

The Take Action Campaign, spearheaded by the Youth in Parliament Forum (YIPF), is a nationwide initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians to take up leadership roles in politics and public service.

Speaker Abbas expressed worries that despite the youths comprising over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population, their influence in decision-making and governance remains minimal.

He emphasised the need for young people to be more deliberate about entering public service, engaging with laws, and actively shaping policies that affect their lives.

“If we cannot articulate the change we want or push for it through structured engagement, then what are we doing?” he asked.

Highlighting the significance of legislative reforms such as the Not Too Young to Run Act, the Speaker noted that the National Assembly had already commence opening the space for youth participation. He cited the example of Hon. Mohammed from Kebbi State, who was elected into the House at just 26 years old, as a clear sign of what is possible when the system becomes more inclusive.

He also gave his support to legislative efforts to improve gender inclusiveness, referencing a bill currently before the House that seeks to reserve seats for women in the National Assembly.

Abbas called on young Nigerians to examine the proposal and lend their voices constructively, noting the transformative impact such representation could have on national development.

“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,” he said.

He appealed to Nigeria’s young population, “Don’t just sit behind your devices criticizing. 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, underscored the urgency of youth participation in governance.

He said the unveiling of the Take Action Campaign, a youth-driven movement, had 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 are mobilizing, 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 a campaign, calling it a national awakening, a call to action, to participation, and to leadership.

Nwulu decried the persistent under-representation of youth in governance, despite constituting over 60 percent of the nation’s population.

According to him, TAC is YIPF’s strategic response to this imbalance, a grassroots-powered initiative designed to shift young Nigerians from the political sidelines to the decision-making table.

“Today’s unveiling marks the beginning of a journey that will see the rise of a new political consciousness, one led by young Nigerians who are ready to legislate, innovate, and govern,” Nwulu said.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, praised the Take Action Campaign, which be described 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 said.

He cited Kogi’s unique gender inclusion model, where all local government deputy chairpersons are women. In some cases, both chairperson and deputy are women.

“The Secretary to the State Government and the Accountant General are also women,” he noted. “The goal is to create a deliberate, balanced political structure that allows women and young people to thrive.”

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his demonstrated commitment to youth inclusion and immediate recognition of youth achievements, such as the recent honor accorded the Falconets.

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

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 percent of the state cabinet is youth. I myself benefited from the Not Too Young to Run movement and now serve as commissioner.”

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

He emphasised the role of youth in shaping a new Nigeria through innovation, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit.

“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.

News

ECOWAS Parliament Moves to Strengthen MSMEs as Pillars of Regional Trade

Published

4 hours ago

July 26, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

Members of the ECOWAS Parliament will this week begin deliberations on strategies to position Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of regional value chains, as part of efforts to boost economic integration and expand opportunities for businesses across West Africa.

The discussions will take place during a delocalised meeting of the Parliament’s Joint Committee on Industry and Private Sector; Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research; Administration, Finance and Budget; and Public Accounts, scheduled to hold in Cotonou, Benin Republic, from 27 to 31 July 2026.

The meeting will focus on the theme, “Empowering MSMEs as Formal Drivers of ECOWAS Regional Value Chains,” reflecting growing recognition of the critical role small businesses play in the region’s economy.

According to a media advisory issued by the Communications Directorate of the ECOWAS Parliament on 21 July 2026, “The ECOWAS Parliament is holding the delocalized Meeting of the Joint Committee on Industry and Private Sector | Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research | Administration, Finance and Budget | Public Accounts, on the theme ‘Empowering MSMEs as Formal Drivers of ECOWAS Regional Value Chains.’”

The meeting comes at a time when policymakers across West Africa are seeking practical ways to unlock the economic potential of MSMEs, which remain the backbone of the region’s private sector.

A United Nations policy brief on the subject indicates that MSMEs account for more than 90 per cent of all businesses and provide about half of total employment across ECOWAS member states. Despite their importance, many of these enterprises continue to operate outside the formal economy and face significant obstacles, including limited access to finance, weak infrastructure and barriers to cross-border trade.

Lawmakers are expected to examine these challenges and develop recommendations aimed at integrating MSMEs more effectively into regional value chains, improving their competitiveness and enabling them to contribute more meaningfully to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.

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Ambassador Omokri Amid Rejection Rumours Says World Cup Cause of his delayed resumption

Published

8 hours ago

July 26, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has dismissed claims that the Mexican government rejected his diplomatic appointment, attributing his delayed resumption instead to the ongoing FIFA World Cup being co-hosted by Mexico and the United States.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today last Monday, the former presidential aide said the delay was due to logistical and diplomatic considerations linked to the global football tournament, stressing that he was not the only Nigerian envoy yet to assume duty. Omokri said reports suggesting that Mexico had declined to accept him as Nigeria’s ambassador were false and were being promoted by political opponents.

“Mexico has not rejected me. Not at all,” he said.Politics He explained that the Mexican government is currently focused on hosting the World Cup alongside the United States, leaving little room to process the arrival of new diplomats. “You should understand that Mexico is right now hosting the World Cup, along with the United States of America, and all of their focus is on that,” Omokri stated.

According to him, several Nigerian ambassadors-designate are also yet to resume at their respective postings for similar reasons.Executive Branch “Most of us ambassadors have not resumed. So, I’m not the only one. A lot of my colleagues are in my situation, but it’s okay. These things happen,” he said. The ambassador-designate also accused members of the opposition of spreading misleading narratives about his appointment, insisting that such claims have no basis in reality. “The opposition will always say things like I have been rejected. We do not work on the basis of the opposition. We work on the basis of reality,” he said.

Omokri expressed confidence that Nigeria continues to enjoy cordial diplomatic relations with countries around the world and maintained that host nations would receive Nigerian envoys in due course. “The reality of it is that we have countries in the world that respect Nigeria, and they’re going to be taking Nigeria’s envoys,” he added.

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Sad: Young Nigerian reportedly trafficked for commercial s*x dies after rescue

Published

8 hours ago

July 26, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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A young Nigerian girl who was trafficked to Cotonou, Benin Republice for prostitution has d!ed.

Sewuese passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026 in Benue State after she was brought home.

Activist, Zege Orkwande, who has been facilitating the rescue of trafficked Benue girls said investigation is ongoing and those who trafficked her will face the full wrath of law.

“People are asking “who took Sewuese to Cotonou”. Trust my process,” he wrote.

“The people that trafficked/smuggled her to Cotonou for prostitution will sure face the law and serve in prison uniform.

“All information gathered. I’m waiting for her to be buried first. REST WELL.”