Renowned anti-corruption activist, Hamzat Lawal, has called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint young people to key positions in his government. Speaking to journalists at a recent event in Abuja, Lawal, the founder of social accountability initiative Follow The Money and civil society organization Connected Development, emphasized the importance of youth participation in governance.
Highlighting the fact that 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population is under 25, Lawal stressed the need to prioritize the affairs of the youth. He stated, “Collaboration between generations is vital to achieving effective governance that serves the interests of all citizens. But, in Nigeria, youths should take the lead if you ask me. Young people bring a fresh and innovative perspective to governance.”
Lawal further emphasized that including young people in government ensures that the perspectives and needs of the youth population are represented and considered. He stated that this promotes inclusivity, diversity, and intergenerational dialogue, ultimately leading to more well-rounded and equitable decision-making processes.
Additionally, he advised President Tinubu to retain outstanding young individuals who were part of the Buhari administration, noting their achievements in key federal government agencies. Lawal pointed to Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, a young man from Adamawa, who is heading the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). He praised Ahmad’s leadership, stating that the REA has been rejuvenated and improved under his watch.
Lawal also highlighted the visionary and transformational leadership of Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and expressed the importance of supporting him in his efforts to make NITDA globally competitive.
Lawal’s call for youth representation in government positions aligns with the recognition of the youth as a significant demographic group in Nigeria. By urging President Tinubu to prioritize the inclusion of young people and acknowledging the achievements of outstanding young leaders, Lawal seeks to foster an environment of effective governance and ensure the representation of diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
