2023: NTYTR makes case for young politicians


The Not Too Young To Run Movement  has said that battle for inclusion of young people n the country’s politics is not over yet. 
This was the agreement Coordinators from across 36 states of Nigeria arrived at when they converged in Abuja to project a pathway for increased youth representation in elective offices.


The crusaders of the movement who mobilized citizens from their respective states were instrumental in ensuring State Houses of Assembly Lawmakers voted YES to the historic age reduction amendment.
Speaking during the meeting, Convener of the movement, Samson Itodo said the movement has changed the political landscape of Nigeria forever.


 He said, “I remember a few years ago, we set out on a journey that seemed impossible, believing that the few contributions we are going to make is going to make a difference.”
He, however, explained to the subnational Coordinators that the push for inclusiveness in politics is beyond a democratic ideal saying it’s about capacity and the value the movement has brought to the table. 
According to him, it is about reclaiming the state to provide better dividends of democracy jobs and quality health care for people. “It is important that we push the envelope to use political power to provide the right things.


In his words, “remain resilient because this country is breaking before our eyes,” the Convener, Samson Itodo, reminded everyone at the close of the meeting. “We are going to be taking bold steps. 2020 is the commencement of another decade”. 
Additionally, he firmly reminded the State Coordinators about the philosophy of the movement, saying “We have to come to a place where we tell ourselves that this struggle is not about us. And our driving philosophy is simple: that the goal for civic activism is the common good”.


According to Cynthia Mbamalu, who is the Programs Manager, “our survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to remain vigilant to face the challenges of change.”
In her words “Only when we are awake and ready to act, can we really see the kind of change we want. Nigeria is still looking up to us. Nigeria can be better,” she said.
The State Coordinators shared their experiences and reflections under various related themes which included leadership and governance, internal communication management, conflict and risk management, Not Too Young to Run campaign and advocacy tactics, stakeholder engagements, media and communications, and inclusion and diversity management.


The team shared revealing information on how the movement can leverage on existing capacities and relationship to further increase the number of young people in elective offices ahead of the 2023 elections.
All participants of the meeting also shared personal reflections on the Not Too Young to Run Movement, in an emotional session, while the Strategy Team Members consolidated on the results of the meeting into an action plan.
 At the end of the meeting, the participants were given their certificates of participation, as well as ‘Digital: The New Code of Wealth’ written by J.J. Omojuwa, who detailed parts of the Social Media Strategy of the #NotTooYoungToRun movement when it kicked off online two years ago.
Also present at the meeting were some of the Strategy Team Members of the Movement—Cynthia Mbamalu, Ibrahim Faruk, Chioma Ageuegbo, and Safiya Bichi. 

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