The Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has charged youths to take full advantage of the Not-Too-Young-to-Run Bill, saying it was passed to ensure youth participation in governance.
Dogara made the call while delivering a lecture at the 31st Annual All-Rotaract Multi-District Conference on Sunday in Abuja.
He explained that the National Assembly passed the popular bill to lower age requirement for elective offices in line with its commitment to youth participation in governance in the country.
He said that the House was committed to enactment of youth-friendly legislations that would aid development of youths into productive citizens, and encourage them to imbibe and sustain spirit of commitment to civic obligations.
Dogara added that the legislature was dedicated to ensuring the observance and appropriation of fundamental human rights of youths and their participation in governance through all available opportunities under the law.
He expressed delight at the double honours conferred on him by Rotaract and pledged to ensure that the fast-depleting values among the younger generation were restored.
The Speaker also admonished young people to take full advantage of the invaluable leadership education Rotaract offered.
He commended Rotaract for creating reality through sound character development and the inculcation of the spirit of service and friendship.
He added that he had no doubt that Rotaract, if well promoted, would become the “leadership bank of communities, nations and indeed the global community”.
The Speaker also advised the youth on the need to participate in governance as the true essence of democracy was that power belonged to the people and not officials who exercised governmental power.
He urged them to shun violence and thuggery while exercising their voting rights.
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