Abiru tasks youths on participation in governance through legislative exposure
The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Tokunbo Abiru, has called on young Nigerians to strengthen their participation in governance through active legislative engagement, noting that contemporary power dynamics are
The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Tokunbo Abiru, has called on young Nigerians to strengthen their participation in governance through active legislative engagement, noting that contemporary power dynamics are increasingly defined by ideas, innovation, and measurable impact rather than age or formal titles.
Abiru made the call at the Eko Youth Parliamentary Summit held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Lagos State House of Assembly complex, Alausa, Ikeja.
Addressing participants on the theme, “Youth Legislature on the Rise: Shaping Policies for the Future,” the senator said meaningful youth influence must be grounded in institutional structure, which legislative exposure provides.
“Across the world today, young people are no longer passive observers in governance. They are innovators, entrepreneurs, digital architects, and policy advocates. This century has shifted power dynamics. Influence is no longer determined solely by age or title, but by ideas, innovation, and impact,” he said.
Abiru cautioned that influence without structure could be short-lived, underscoring the importance of understanding legislative processes and institutional frameworks.
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He commended the initiative of modelling the youth parliament after the Lagos State House of Assembly, describing it as a reflection of the state’s leadership in democratic practice.
“The legislature is crucial because that is where norms are derived,” he said, adding that policies shape opportunities, define economic direction, and determine inclusion or exclusion.
According to him, the youth parliament is not only symbolic but strategic, noting that young people between the ages of 18 and 35 constitute a significant portion of the population. “Your role is not ceremonial; it is a generational responsibility,” he said, urging participants to study issues deeply, consult widely, and legislate responsibly.
Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, said effective youth participation in governance must be deliberate. “Youth participation will not flourish by accident; it must be calculated,” she said.
Earlier, Speaker of the Lagos Youth Parliament, Maria Soniregun, said the parliament was not just a milestone but a declaration of youth voice in governance. She stressed that youth inclusion in governance was practical and intentional.
She described the youth parliament as a prototype of the state assembly, adding that while many youths were familiar with the executive arm of government, the legislature remained misunderstood despite its central role in shaping governance direction.
