Young people are not only future leaders, they are stakeholders and leaders today. Their voices, ideas and perspectives must be meaningfully represented in our parliaments and decision-making institutions
By Mmesoma Onwuka
The Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library, Rt. Hon. Henry Nwawuba, has called for deliberate and sustained efforts to bridge the gap between Africa’s large youthful population and its limited representation in parliamentary institutions.
Nwawuba made the call at the LMI Youth Town Hall, where he was represented by the National Assembly Library’s Special Adviser on Research and Strategy, Dr. Matthew Coker.
He noted that young people account for more than 60 per cent of Africa’s population, yet remain significantly underrepresented in legislative chambers and other decision-making institutions.
According to him, young people should not be regarded merely as leaders of the future, but as stakeholders and leaders who have important roles to play in shaping governance, legislation and public policy today.
“Young people are not only future leaders, they are stakeholders and leaders today. Their voices, ideas and perspectives must be meaningfully represented in our parliaments and decision-making institutions,” he said.
Nwawuba further stressed that with more than 60 per cent of Africa’s population below the age of 25, the continent’s democratic institutions must reflect its demographic realities by creating greater opportunities for youth participation.
He maintained that strengthening democracy and building resilient institutions require the active inclusion of young people in legislative processes and policy formulation.
“To build resilient institutions that reflect the majority’s aspirations, young people must move from the margins of policy discussions to the centre of legislative action,” Nwawuba said.