Hamzat Lawal Honoured as Youth Quota Ambassador

In recognition of his longstanding commitment to advancing democratic governance, accountability, and the inclusion of marginalised groups across Africa, renowned activist and Chief Executive of the Connected Development (CODE), Hamzat Lawal, was officially decorated as the Youth Quota in Parliament Bill Ambassador for Youth Inclusion in Leadership.
During a strategic advocacy meeting with the Youth Quota in Parliament Bill delegation in Abuja, led by the Convener, Hon. Blessing Oyefeso, Hamzat Lawal commended the promoters of the Bill for their vision and determination to build on the gains of the Not Too Young To Run Act. He described the proposed constitutional amendment as a bold and timely initiative that has the potential to address the persistent underrepresentation of young Nigerians in legislative decision-making at both the national and state levels.
Speaking during the meeting, Lawal emphasised that young Nigerians represent the country’s largest demographic and therefore deserve meaningful representation in governance. He noted that the campaign should focus on engaging lawmakers through evidence-based advocacy while mobilising citizens around the collective strength of Nigeria’s youthful population. According to him, empowering capable young Nigerians through constitutional reforms would help eliminate systemic barriers that have historically excluded them from leadership and decision-making.
He further highlighted the importance of ensuring that the proposed reforms promote inclusive representation by recognising the interests of young women and persons with disabilities. He observed that despite the millions of eligible voters with disabilities in Nigeria, they remain largely absent from legislative institutions, underscoring the need for a Parliament that reflects the diversity of the Nigerian people.
Lawal also called for the establishment of a broad national coalition involving civil society organisations, youth groups, political party youth leaders, professional associations, and community stakeholders to drive the campaign across the country. He stressed that sustained grassroots mobilisation and engagement with political parties would be critical to securing the passage of the Bill and ensuring greater opportunities for young people to emerge as candidates for elective office.
Pledging his personal commitment to the initiative, Hamzat Lawal accepted his appointment as Ambassador for the Youth Quota in Parliament Bill and promised to use his voice and networks to amplify the campaign nationwide. He reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.
The Youth Quota in Parliament Bill seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by providing for reserved legislative seats for qualified young Nigerians in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, thereby promoting more inclusive, representative, and participatory governance.
In his closing remarks, the Convener of the Youth Quota in Parliament Initiative, Hon. Blessing Oyefeso, expressed appreciation to Hamzat Lawal for his warm reception, encouragement, and commitment to championing the campaign. He described the Ambassadorial acceptance as a significant milestone in the growing movement to secure constitutional reforms that guarantee meaningful youth representation in Nigeria’s Parliament.