…Sen. Abiru urges them to engage constructively, says Power Dynamics Now Driven by Ideas
As part of efforts to deepen youth inclusion in governance, lawmakers have charged young people to become more actively involved in the legislative process, noting that power dynamics are now shaped by ideas, innovation and impact.
The charge was given at the Eko Youth Parliamentary Summit, held in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Lagos State House of Assembly premises, Alausa, Ikeja.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the Senate, urged youths to engage constructively in governance to influence policy formulation.
The summit counts as the 5th Legislative Assembly of the Lagos Youth Parliament, held at the weekend.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme, ‘Youth Legislature on the Rise: Shaping Policies for the Future,’ Abiru stated that for youths to wield meaningful influence, there must be structured engagement through legislative exposure.
“It is no longer determined solely by age or title but by ideas, innovation and impact,” he said.
“Across the world today, young people are no longer content with being passive observers in governance. They are innovators, entrepreneurs, digital architects, policy advocates and reform champions.”
The senator stressed that influence without structure could be fleeting, hence the importance of legislative exposure.
“I think the legislature is more important because that is where your guiding norms are derived from,” he added.
Continuing his remarks, Abiru noted that globally, people within the 18–35 age bracket constitute a significant percentage of the youth population and that their role is “not just ceremonial, but a generational responsibility.”
“You belong to a generation we cannot afford to take for granted. The theme of this summit speaks to the urgency of our time. Policies not only shape economic direction; they also determine inclusion or exclusion.
“If youths desire to shape the future, they must understand and engage in the legislative process. The legislature is where ideas are tested, refined and institutionalised. It demands research, discipline, collaboration and foresight. It is where passion must be guided by procedure and advocacy strengthened by evidence,” he said.
Abiru also commended Lagos lawmakers for supporting the Eko Youth Parliament.
“By modelling the youth parliament after the Lagos State House of Assembly and granting young people the opportunity to deliberate within its chambers, Lagos has once again demonstrated why it remains a pacesetter in Nigeria’s democratic space,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, noted that with Nigeria’s population skewed towards young people, youth participation in governance must be intentional.
“Youth participation will not flourish by accident; it must be deliberate,” she said.
Chairman of the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, emphasised that policies cannot be effectively designed without youth input.
“The conversation has moved beyond giving youths a seat at the table to building a new table. Youth perspectives are shaping laws; it is about relevance,” he stated.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Toyin Osanyintolu, said sustained engagement was necessary to prepare youths for leadership roles.
“We have no choice but to continue to engage young people in leadership roles,” she said, adding that such engagement strengthens governance processes.
Appreciating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for their support, the Speaker of the Eko Youth Parliament, Maria Soniregun, stated that youth inclusion in governance must be practical and intentional.
She described the youth parliament as a platform that represents the collective voice of young people.
