A new civic movement, The Future is Now project, has called for 70 percent youth representation in Nigeria’s legislative and executive arms of government, declaring that young people can no longer be sidelined in the nation’s decision-making process.
The demand was made on Wednesday during the official unveiling of the project at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, where young leaders, lawmakers, and stakeholders from across the country gathered.
Convener of the initiative and former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, outlined an ambitious target for the next election cycle.
According to him, the project envisions 70 percent of local government chairmanship seats held by persons under 35, 70 percent of state assembly seats contested and won by those under 35 and 70 percent of House of Representatives seats occupied by politicians under 40.
He further stressed that at least half of all executive appointments at both federal and state levels should go to Nigerians under the age of 40.
Interim chairman of the project, Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki (Kebbe/Tambuwal Constituency), described the initiative as a national movement to correct structural barriers that continue to exclude youth from governance, despite the passage of the Not Too Young To Run Act in 2018.
“Today, we are not just unveiling a project; we are igniting a movement, driven by sacrifice, persuasion, and courage. The future is not tomorrow, the future is now,” Dasuki declared.
He warned that if the country’s largest demographic group continues to feel alienated, frustration could translate into instability.
Other speakers at the event included former Minister of Youth Solomon Dalung, Hon. Ibrahim Bello Haliru, currently the youngest member of the National Assembly, alongside Hon. Henry Shield, Hon. Salisu Yakassai, and Hon. David Oloto.
The participants resolved that young Nigerians are no longer merely “leaders of tomorrow” but must be recognized, supported, and positioned as the leaders of today.
