‘Not Too Young to Run’ movement to empower newly elected lawmakers

The ‘Not Too Young To Run Movement’ has announced plans to host newly elected legislators across the country “to empower them” for effective leadership.

In a statement on Saturday, the movement said over 300 lawmakers are expected to attend “The Convergence 2.0” aimed at also preparing them for quality representation.

Samson Itodo, its convener, said the conference will “celebrate the direct beneficiaries of the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ law” signed last year by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The law had reduced the age limitation from various offices at both national and state levels.

According to Itodo, The Convergence 2.0 slated for Tuesday and Wednesday is “designed to inspire, empower and expose newly elected young legislators in the 2019 elections to resources and tools required for excellent public leadership.”

“It presents an opportunity for the newly elected young lawmakers to reflect on Nigeria’s 20 years of democracy with a view to designing a new democratic and leadership model that promotes institutional reforms, economic development and reduces inequality,” he said.

He said the incoming lawmakers would come from both national and state assemblies and “will have an opportunity to interact and learn from the experiences of an array of highly respected and seasoned speakers headlining the conference.”

According to Itodo, “Nigeria needs a new leadership paradigm that puts the people first. This leadership model must be driven by the philosophy of results and impact as well as accountability and transparency.

“Through ‘The Convergence’, the ‘Not Too Young To Run Movement’ and YIAGA AFRICA are mobilizing a new breed of visionary public leaders to sanitize electoral politics, obtain political power through the ballot and provide accountable, responsive and innovative leadership.”

The Convergence 2.0 is the second in the series of conferences hosted by the movement, the first of which featured youth candidates ahead of the elections.