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

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11 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

Medical doctor who issued independent report on Kanu’s health nabbed in Enugu

Published

5 minutes ago

July 4, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, a medical expert who issued an independent report on the health condition of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has reportedly been nabbed in Enugu.

A human rights lawyer, Barrister Maxwell Okpara, raised the alarm over Aghaji’s arrest in a statement on Saturday.

Okpara said the medical expert was picked up at his Independence Layout residence in Enugu on Friday.

The lawyer urged the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, and civil society organizations to intervene in the matter.

Although no reason has been given for Aghaji’s arrest, Okpara noted that the medical report he tendered on Kanu’s health countered the official version presented by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Okpara said in the statement, that:

“Information has reached me that Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, the medical expert who reportedly issued independent medical reports on the health condition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu State, on 3rd July, 2026.

“Prof. Aghaji’s reported medical assessments were said to have countered the official medical report presented by the Department of State Services, DSS.

“We call on the Nigerian Medical Association, Nigeria Bar Association, Civil Society Group and other relevant authorities to ensure that due process and the rule of law is strictly observed and nobody should be intimidated for speaking the truth.”

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SAD: IED explosion kills one, injures nine in Borno

Published

35 minutes ago

July 4, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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An improvised explosive device, IED, exploded after being struck by a trailer conveying passengers along the Komala village axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing one person and injuring nine others.

This was disclosed by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, via his X handle on Friday.

According to Makama, police sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on July 2 when the trailer, driven by one Isa Uba, was travelling from Maiduguri to Damboa.

The sources said the explosive device was suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the route.

A passenger was said to have died at the scene while nine other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Makama reported that a joint response team comprising military personnel, police tactical units, explosive ordnance disposal-chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, EOD-CBRN, operatives, members of the civilian joint task force, CJTF, and local hunters was deployed to the scene shortly after the explosion.

“They said the injured victims were evacuated to hospital for treatment, while the body of the deceased was removed to the hospital, certified dead by a medical doctor and later released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

“The sources added that EOD personnel rendered the scene safe after the explosion, while security forces had sustained combing operations in the area to prevent further attacks,” he stated.

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2027: INEC extends nationwide Continuous Voter Registration, introduces full online registration

Published

8 hours ago

July 4, 2026

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended Phase III of the ongoing Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and approved the deployment of a full online voter registration platform.

According to an official circular dated July 3, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the extension follows the Commission’s meeting held on July 2, 2026, where it reviewed the progress of the exercise.

The Commission said the voter registration, which was initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, will now continue from July 11 to July 26, 2026, including weekends and public holidays, to allow more eligible Nigerians to register.

INEC also announced the introduction of a full online voter registration platform, enabling prospective voters to begin and complete their registration process online without visiting any Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) centre.

The Commission noted that all necessary logistics for the extension have been approved, including special allowances for Registration Officers (ROs) required to work during weekends.

Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country have been directed to take note of the extension and ensure full compliance with the Commission’s directive.

The move is expected to increase voter participation by making the registration process more accessible and convenient ahead of future elections.