Not-Too-Young-To-Run movement hosts youth lawmakers

The Not-Too-Young-To-Run Movement’ is to host no fewer than 300 young elected legislators in the National and State Houses of Assembly on May 7 and May 8, 2019 in Abuja.

With the theme: Leadership, Power and Politics, the meeting is designed to inspire, empower and expose newly elected lawmakers in the 2019 general elections to resources and tools required for leadership and quality representation.

Executive Director, YIAGA Africa and convener of the Not Too Young To Run Movement, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, disclosed that it would present an opportunity for them to reflect on Nigeria’s 20 years of democracy with a view to designing a new democratic and leadership model.

“We intend to promote institutional reforms, economic development and reduce inequality and celebrate direct beneficiaries of Not Too Young To Run Act, signed into law on May 31, 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The statement revealed that, Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Senator Abdul-Aziz Nyako; Nnenna Ukeje; Tony Nwulu; Raphael Igbokwe (Chair, Young Parliamentarians Forum) are expected to attend the event.

Others include, Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Luke Onofiok; Desmond Elliot; Eugenia Abu; Udo Jude Ilo; Oladayo Olaide; British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang and US Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington.

“Nigeria needs a new leadership paradigm that puts the people first.

This leadership model must be driven by the philosophy of results and impact as well as accountability and transparency.

“Over 400 youth candidates were supported to participate at the conference. The Convergence is supported by the United Kingdom Agency for International Development (UKAID).

“The maiden edition held in December 2018 to inspire and equip youth candidates running in the 2019 elections with relevant skills and knowledge for effective campaigns,” the statement added.