Segun Otokiti, Abuja
*If you know you don’t have service in you, don’t aspire to lead – Hon Cyril
WorldStage Newsonline– The leadership of the House of Representatives has called on Nigerian youth to play active roles in the ongoing alteration of the 1999 constitution to adequately contribute to the process of birthing a truly people-oriented and youth-friendly constitution.
This was made known in Abuja on Thursday during the final session of the just concluded 2025 edition of the National Assembly Open Week, organized by the leadership of the House of Representatives in conjunction with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC).
Leading the discussion during an interactive session with representatives of various youth organizations including students’ bodies, one of the lead discussants and the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Hon. Ayodeji Alaoakala stated that youths should see the ongoing constitution review process as a serious matter requiring their utmost involvement for a favourable outcome.
He said, “The Constitution review is a serious business that the youth should participate in rather than just be laid back because there are young people in the House who should drive the narrative or agitation for youth.
“As Africans, and as Nigerian youth, we should show that we know what we are saying and know what we want when it comes to conversations on national issues. The leadership of the House is always at the forefront of any discussion when it comes to do with the youth.”
The lawmaker added that the House, which championed the youth in the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act, has been consistent, particularly in the 10th House.
The moderator of the session, who also doubles as the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Martins Esin, noted that the 10th House under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen is working tirelessly for youth inclusion and empowerment.
“For the first time in the history of the parliament, we have two different standing committees dedicated to the youth, with my humble self chairing the Committee on Youth Development and my brother chairing the one on Youth in Parliament.
“When you look at the 2025 budget, you will see a lot of line items relating to the youth, particularly in areas of technological innovations, creative industry, and other related issues having serious votes.
“That’s because the youth of this country were brought in to sit and deliberate on their yearnings and aspirations, which they wished to be accommodated. To the glory of God, the Assembly passed them and the president signed,” he said.
He also commended the Speaker for his unwavering commitment to the uplift of Nigerian youth through relevant legislation, saying that he has sponsored and supported some key bills targeted at giving more voice to the youth.
He said the Speaker introduced a bill on the National Youth Skills and Welfare Fund, which is already set for third reading, adding that the aim is to make funding available to creative youths to implement their ideas.
He also mentioned the Youth Development Commission Bill as another piece of legislation being sponsored by the Speaker to handle all issues regarding youth development as well as revitalize the existing National Youth Service Corps.
Chairman House Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation, Hon. Hart Cyril, advised the youth to always give their best in any given leadership opportunity they get. The lawmaker recalled his political journey from 2015, when he contested the election to the House and failed but got elected as Local Government Chairman, after which he became a Board Commissioner before winning his election to the House in 2023.
“If you know you don’t have service in you, don’t aspire to lead. If you know you don’t have compassion in you, don’t aspire to lead, he said.
Also addressing the youth at the session, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu stressed the level of commitment being shown by the 10th House in mainstreaming youth participation in leadership.
“The 10th House, under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, is leading by example through inclusive legislative processes and youth-focused reforms. The House is committed to mainstreaming youth concerns in all constitutional and policy reforms; supporting youth leadership development and political participation at all levels; collaborating with civil society, development partners, and youth organizations to drive sustained impact.”
Kalu therefore called the youth to action, saying that their “participation in politics and governance is not only a right but a necessity for a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Nigeria.”
