At Unveiling of Future is Now Project, Youths Seek 70% Seats in House of Reps, State Assemblies, LGs

*Demand sacrifice from older generation

A landmark gathering of young leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria convened today at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, for the unveiling of Future is Now Project. The gathering, which deliberated on Leadership and Youth Inclusion culminated in a powerful communique demanding decisive action to elevate youth participation in Nigeria’s political and governance landscape.
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary, participants unanimously declared that the time for youth to claim their rightful place at the decision-making table is now. Participants emphasize that young Nigerians are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but are the leaders of today, rejecting any form of delay, denial, or exclusion from political leadership.
In a bold vision for the nation’s future, a communique read by its Convener, Mr. Laolu Akande, laid out clear, ambitious targets to be achieved by the next election cycle.
These include, “At least 70% of Local Government Chairmanship seats to be held by youths under 35 years; at least 70% of State House of Assembly seats to be occupied by youths under 35 years; “at least 70% of House of Representatives seats to be contested for and won by youths under 40 years; and a minimum of 50% of executive appointments at both Federal and State levels reserved for Nigerians under 40 years.”
To realize these goals, a pledge was made to champion political inclusion by lobbying, negotiating, and mobilizing support for credible youth candidates across all political parties. Efforts will also focus on mentorship programmes, capacity building for young leaders, and forming cross-cultural alliances to ensure governance reforms favoring youth representation.

At the unveiling, homage was paid to Nigeria’s elder statesmen and stateswomen, acknowledging their foundational contributions while urging them to graciously yield space for emerging young leaders. The call was for older generations to act as mentors and guides, ensuring a smooth and sustained leadership transition.
The gathering opened with an impassioned address by the Interim Chairman of the project, Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, who described the event not merely as a gathering, but as the ignition of a movement – a national commitment to dramatically increase youth leadership at all levels of governance.
Dasuki said the Future is Now Project is born of sacrifice and demands sacrifice from older generation.
“Today,” Rep Dasuki declared, “we are not just announcing a project, but igniting a movement, one born of sacrifice, fueled by persuasion and courage, and sustained by the dreams of millions of Nigerian youth. The Future is not tomorrow — the Future is Now.”
In his speech, Dasuki reflected on Nigeria’s political history, noting that while young leaders had once been central to the country’s formation and early development, they have increasingly been sidelined from positions of power, despite the demographic reality that over 70% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 35.
He cited the signing of the Not Too Young To Run Act in 2018 as a step forward, but stressed that persistent barriers still prevent meaningful youth participation in governance. Rep Dasuki called for a generational shift, where younger leaders not only contest elections but are supported to win and lead.
Drawing lessons from recent youth-led global protests in countries like Nepal, Rep Dasuki warned of the dangers of political exclusion and the potential unrest that can follow when large youth populations feel alienated from their governments.
“When a large demographic feels excluded from decision-making, frustration festers. We must act now, not only to empower, but to prevent disillusionment that can lead to instability,” he warned.
Key highlights of the event include the unveiling of the interim governance structure of Future Is Now project – which will undertake the preparation for a more elaborate gathering of Future is Now in the first quarter of 2026 – and the unveiling of the membership registration portal www.futureisnow.ng
Also at the unveiling were former Minister of Youth, Solomon Dalung; Hon Ibrahim Bello Haliru (the youngest member of the National Assembly); Hon. Henry Shield; Hon Salisu Yakassai and Hon David Oloto.
Ms Nicole Nwosu (Convener 1), and Ibrahim Zanna (Convener 2) made presentations at the event while goodwill messages were delivered by development partners, civil society leaders, youth and student leaders, and other partners.

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    Nigeria’s iconic National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, now wearing a fresh look after four years of renovation, was officially reopened Wednesday, October 1, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    The landmark event, which coincided with the nation’s 65th Independence Day celebration, also marked the renaming of the national monument as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in honour of Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature.

    The president, who described the project as dear to his heart, announced the creation of an Artists’ Endowment Fund to be managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), promising to personally contribute to it.

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    He recalled their shared experiences during the country’s struggles for freedom, noting that the renaming of the theatre was a well-deserved recognition.

    The president used the occasion to congratulate Nigerians on the Independence Day anniversary, urging citizens at home and abroad to speak positively about their country.

    “We should stop talking about Nigeria in negative tones. This is a country of proud people, of confidence and dedication. Let’s build it together. Nigeria will succeed,” he said.

    Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed that the renovation cost N68 billion, fully funded by the Bankers’ Committee. 

    He explained that the project was more than a corporate social responsibility, but an “investment in Nigeria’s future”.

    Cardoso traced the history of the theatre from its completion in 1976 to its inauguration during FESTAC ’77, describing it as a beacon of African creativity that had long suffered neglect.

    “In 2020, the Federal Government approved a landmark public-private collaboration with the CBN on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee. What began as an ambitious vision has now become a stunning reality,” he said.

    He added that the reborn centre now boasts world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, art galleries, an African literature library, rehearsal studios, medical facilities, and modern outdoor gardens. Importantly, it is integrated with the Lagos Blue Line rail system to place culture at the centre of urban life.

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Remi Tinubu, for gracing the event, noting that the project was symbolic for Nigeria’s 65th anniversary.

    He revealed that Lagos provided additional land and ensured the Blue Line rail had a stop at the complex to improve accessibility. “Today’s commissioning is only the beginning. The revival of this theatre signals a larger mission for artistic and cultural excellence in Lagos and Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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    The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mrs. Hannatu Musawa, lauded the president’s renewed attention to the creative industry, declaring: “Never in Nigeria’s history has culture received this kind of devoted support.”

    She also appreciated the Lagos State Government, Banks’ Committee and the General Manager/CEO, National Theatre, Mrs. Tola Akerele, for their contributions in making the rebirth of the monumental edifice a reality.

    For President Tinubu, the reopening was more than a cultural celebration. It was, as he put it, a signal of Nigeria’s rebirth: “The National Theatre will not fall into neglect again. It will create jobs, inspire hope, and stand as a symbol of what we can achieve together.”

    Mrs. Akerele described the reopening of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts as a foundation for building a globally competitive creative economy that delivers real economic value for creatives and cultural practitioners.

    She congratulated President Tinubu, Musawa, Gov Sanwo-Olu, the CBN Bankers’ Committee, and the Board of Theatre Partners Limited on the successful completion and reopening.

    The extensive renovation was financed and executed by the CBN Bankers’ Committee, with strategic oversight from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy. The Centre will be managed by Theatre Partners Limited, a joint venture company formed through a public-private partnership between the Federal Government and the Bankers’ Committee.

    ​  

    Yinka Olatunbosun  Nigeria’s iconic National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, now wearing a fresh look after four years of renovation, was officially reopened Wednesday, October 1, 2025, by President Bola

    Jobberman Expands  Operations to A’ lbom

    Jobberman Expands  Operations to A’ lbom

    Okon Bassey in Uyo

    Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully expanded its flagship, Human Resource (HR) Fusion Series to Akwa Ibom State, wíth the recent hosting of the inaugural edition in Uyo.

    Jobberman Nigeria Expands HR Fusion Programme to Akwa Ibom, Supporting Business Growth Through Effective Talent Management initiative marks beginning of deeper engagement with South-South, Nigeria.

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    Urging participants to embrace talent management as a driver of transformation, he said: “If we in Akwa Ibom, and indeed Nigeria, embrace effective talent management, we will unleash a generation of workers and leaders who will transform our businesses, our communities, and our economy. 

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    Mrs. Imaobong Ofana,  hailed  the initiative saying: “The programme has been eye-opening. The sessions gave me practical ideas I can implement immediately in my organisation. “

    “It’s encouraging to see Jobberman bringing this level of expertise to Akwa Ibom. More importantly, Jobberman must continue to harness the great talent we have here, train and empower them, and work closely with HR bodies to build a stronger workforce for the future.”

    “The HR Fusion series reflects Jobberman Nigeria’s evolution from an online career platform into a full-service talent solutions provider. 

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    “The success of the Akwa Ibom edition further underscores Jobberman’s commitment to expanding HR development programmes beyond traditional commercial centres, bringing world-class talent management expertise to emerging business hubs across Nigeria.”

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    Okon Bassey in Uyo Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully expanded its flagship, Human Resource (HR) Fusion Series to Akwa Ibom State, wíth the recent hosting of

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