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

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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*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

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Kano suspends Sheikh Triumph over alleged blasphemy against Prophet Mohammad

The Kano State Shura Committee has suspended popular cleric, Sheikh Lawal Shuaib Abubakar, also known as Sheikh Triumph, from teaching and preaching until an investigation into allegations of blasphemy is concluded. The committee’s secretary, Shehu Wada Sagagi told journalists after a review meeting that they had gone through both audio and video clips of the
Kano suspends Sheikh Triumph over alleged blasphemy against Prophet Mohammad

The Kano State Shura Committee has suspended popular cleric, Sheikh Lawal Shuaib Abubakar, also known as Sheikh Triumph, from teaching and preaching until an investigation into allegations of blasphemy is concluded.

The committee’s secretary, Shehu Wada Sagagi told journalists after a review meeting that they had gone through both audio and video clips of the cleric before making the decision.

“Today we met again to review the allegations against Sheikh Triumph. We listened to and watched his recorded sermons. We separated the accusations that had no evidence from those supported by evidence. Every verified point has been documented,” Sagagi said.

He explained that the cleric would be given a formal letter to appear before the committee and defend himself. Until then, he remains suspended. After his defense, the committee will forward its recommendations to the government for action.

According to reports, the allegations against Sheikh Triumph include making offensive comments about Prophet Muhammad (SAW), questioning parts of his birth story, and suggesting that the Prophet’s parents were in hell fire.

Sagagi assured that the cleric would be given enough time to appear and respond before the final decision is made.

Kano suspends Sheikh Triumph over alleged blasphemy against Prophet Mohammad

Nigeria being held back from growth, development – Archbishop Onaiyekan

Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, says Nigeria has the resources to lead black nations but mismanagement and corruption is holding the country back. Onaiyekan said this on Wednesday while responding to questions in an interview on Arise Television. The Archbishop Emeritus stated that the country still has the resources to lead
Nigeria being held back from growth, development – Archbishop Onaiyekan

Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, says Nigeria has the resources to lead black nations but mismanagement and corruption is holding the country back.

Onaiyekan said this on Wednesday while responding to questions in an interview on Arise Television.

The Archbishop Emeritus stated that the country still has the resources to lead black nations if it can fight corruption and properly manage its resources.

He reflected on Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, noting that the nation’s setbacks stem largely from governance failures rather than a lack of potential.

According to him, Nigeria has been held back by poor leadership and mismanagement.

“Why we haven’t reached the goals of our founding fathers has to do with the management of our wonderful resources. We have all it takes to be the leader of the black nations in the premier league of world nations.

“But we are not going to get there by propaganda, we will only get there by reality on the ground,” he stated.

Nigeria being held back from growth, development – Archbishop Onaiyekan

Why I accepted renaming of National Arts Theatre after me – Soyinka

Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on Thursday, explained why he accepted the decision to rename the National Arts Theatre, Lagos, after him. Soyinka said he never believed the edifice could be renovated, noting that he had considered it irredeemable until the recent revamp by the Bankers’ Committee. Speaking at the reopening of the Wole Soyinka
Why I accepted renaming of National Arts Theatre after me – Soyinka

Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on Thursday, explained why he accepted the decision to rename the National Arts Theatre, Lagos, after him.

Soyinka said he never believed the edifice could be renovated, noting that he had considered it irredeemable until the recent revamp by the Bankers’ Committee.

Speaking at the reopening of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, he admitted that he accepted the honour with mixed feelings, despite being a critic of past leaders who appropriated public monuments.

“I have to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t seem very well for me,” he said.

He added that he was willing to “eat his words” if the monumental turnaround of the theatre was the price of the renaming.

Why I accepted renaming of National Arts Theatre after me – Soyinka

Successive leaders betrayed Nigeria – Peter Obi

​ Former Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, said successive Nigerian leaders betrayed the vision of the nation’s founding fathers. This was as he blamed decades of leadership failure for the country’s socio-economic decline. Obi made this allegation in a broadcast to Nigerians on Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th
Successive leaders betrayed Nigeria – Peter Obi


Former Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, said successive Nigerian leaders betrayed the vision of the nation’s founding fathers.

This was as he blamed decades of leadership failure for the country’s socio-economic decline.

Obi made this allegation in a broadcast to Nigerians on Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The ex-Anambra state governor lamented that Nigeria, once tipped as an emerging African economic and political power at independence in 1960, has fallen short of its promise due to misgovernance.

The politician recalled that Nigeria’s founding fathers fought for independence with confidence and determination to build a prosperous country capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s most advanced nations.

He also noted that Time Magazine once predicted Nigeria would rise to become a true African superpower.

“Sadly, this vision has been betrayed by leadership that enriches a few while impoverishing the majority of citizens.

“By the end of 2007, our total debt was about N2.5 trillion, only 10 percent of GDP, after President Obasanjo’s administration secured debt forgiveness of over $30 billion.

“By 2014, Nigeria had become Africa’s largest economy and was primed to achieve middle-income status,” he lamented.

Successive leaders betrayed Nigeria – Peter Obi

Olubadan pledges to intervene in Igboho’s ordeal with Nigerian Govt

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, said he will intervene in the challenges facing Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, in his long-running face-off with the Federal Government. Oba Ladoja stated this during a closed-door meeting with Igboho at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, where they discussed issues surrounding the
Olubadan pledges to intervene in Igboho’s ordeal with Nigerian Govt

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, said he will intervene in the challenges facing Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, in his long-running face-off with the Federal Government.

Oba Ladoja stated this during a closed-door meeting with Igboho at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, where they discussed issues surrounding the activist’s ordeals and the way forward.

This was contained in a statement issued by Igboho’s media office and made available to journalists.

The statement said the meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes, covered insecurity in the South West and the emerging threats by bandits in parts of Kwara State.

DAILY POST recalls that under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Igboho was declared wanted and his accounts frozen over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.

Then on July 1, 2021, operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, backed by Nigerian Army personnel, reportedly invaded his Soka residence, killing two aides and arresting 13 others.

Speaking during the meeting, Igboho congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the throne, describing him as “a leader deeply loved by people across Ibadan, Yorubaland, and beyond.”

He also expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure effective security in the South West, stressing that peace and security are prerequisites for meaningful development.

“Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his days as the former governor of Oyo State. I commend Kabiyesi’s leadership qualities, humility, and enduring influence.

“His reign as Olubadan will no doubt further promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland,” Igboho stated.

Olubadan pledges to intervene in Igboho’s ordeal with Nigerian Govt

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