Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, says the success of the 2027 general elections and the future of Nigerian democracy largely depend on the commitment and civic engagement of youths in the country’s political process.
Dr Abbas made the statement during the Youth Town Hall Meeting, one of the flagship events of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Represented by the house leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the Speaker explained tht the Youth Town Hall had evolved beyond a dialogue platform into an institutional mechanism through which young Nigerians can contribute directly to national policymaking and legislative reforms.
He emphasized that several proposals currently being considered at the ongoing constitutional amendment process and other key national policies originated from recommendations made by participants during previous editions of the Youth Town Hall.
“Many of the ideas now reflected in the ongoing constitutional amendment proposals and other national policies were shaped by contributions made during previous editions of this Town Hall. Your voices have influenced outcomes, and that is precisely why this platform remains relevant,” Ihonvbere stated.
The Speaker however, confirmed that reforms in education financing, taxation, electricity, cybersecurity and the digital economy, were among the strategic interventions designed to create more opportunities for innovation, employment and economic empowerment for young Nigerians.
Speaking, Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, applauded the National Assembly for institutionalising the Youth Town Hall, describing it as a landmark initiative that has opened the legislature to meaningful youth engagement.
The Minister also observed that previous administrations had inadvertently created a disconnect between young people and public institutions confirming that the current administration was deliberately reversing the trend by promoting inclusive governance and sustained dialogue.
“It is very important that young Nigerians are given the space to speak, ask questions, share ideas and take part in decisions that affect their future,” the minister said.
Mr Olawande, disclosed that the Ministry of Youth Development has created several platforms to facilitate direct interaction between government and young citizens while implementing programmes focused on entrepreneurship, digital skills development, vocational training and access to affordable financing.
In his remark, the Executive Vice Chairman National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Alhaji Khalil Suleiman Halilu, urged young Nigerians to embrace innovation, technology and artificial intelligence as catalysts for national development and global competitiveness.
He argued that innovation, rather than natural resource endowment, would determine the future prosperity of nations, revealing that NASENI’s Innovate Nigeria programme is providing grants of up to ₦250 million to support innovators, inventors and technology-driven enterprises.
On its part, a Non-Govenrnmetal organisation, Yiaga Africa urged Nigerian youths to move beyond discussions and translate their passion into sustained civic engagement before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
The body further encouraged eligible young Nigerians to register to vote, participate actively in elections, reject misinformation, violence and hate speech, and hold elected officials accountable based on issues, performance and integrity rather than personalities or ethnic sentiments.
COV/TSIBIRI
