The Future is Now project has demanded 70% youth representation in the House of Representatives and State Assemblies across Nigeria.
The demand was made at the unveiling of the project at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, on Wednesday.
Young leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria converged at the event for the project.
Participants unanimously declared that the time for youth to claim their rightful place at the decision-making table is now.
They emphasized that young Nigerians were not merely the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today.
Speaking at the event, the convener, a former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, said the project is considering an ambitious target before the next election cycle.
He said the project is seeking “at least 70% of Local Government Chairmanship seats to be held by youths under 35 years; 70% of State House of Assembly seats to be occupied by youths under 35 years; 70% of House of Representatives seats to be contested for and won by youths under 40 years; and a minimum of 50% of executive appointments at both Federal and State levels reserved for Nigerians under 40 years.”
However, the interim chairman of the project, who is the member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal constituency, Abdussamad Dasuki, described the project as a national commitment to increase youth leadership at all levels of governance dramatically.
He stated that while the signing of the ‘Not Too Young To Run Act’ in 2018 marked a step forward, persistent barriers still hinder meaningful youth participation in governance.
Rep Dasuki called for a generational shift, where younger leaders not only contest elections but are supported to win and lead.
Dasuki said, “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.
“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.”
Present at the unveiling 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. (Daily Trust)
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