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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to appoint young Nigerians to ministerial positions offered hope for greater youth inclusion in governance. He pledged three cabinet slots for individuals under 40 and six more for those under 50. However, when the initial ministerial list fell short, concerns arose about the promise’s fulfillment. Advokc Foundation spearheaded advocacy efforts to hold the administration accountable. These efforts paid off when additional young ministers, including Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (37) and Ayodele Olawande (34), were appointed, reaffirming the power of civic engagement in ensuring government accountability.
President Tinubu’s pledge to reserve at least three cabinet positions for individuals under 40 and six more for those under 50 was met with optimism and hope. In his own words:
"Reserve at least three cabinet positions for persons under the age of 40 and six more positions for members under the age of 50."
This promise symbolized not only an acknowledgment of the potential of young Nigerians but also a commitment to diverse leadership that reflects the aspirations of a younger generation. It was seen as a crucial step in ensuring that youth voices were actively involved in shaping the nation’s future.
However, upon assuming office, President Tinubu’s ministerial appointments did not fully meet the commitment. Initial reports showed that only two nominees were under 40, while seven fell under the 50-year threshold—falling short of the promised numbers. This gap raised concerns among youth advocacy groups and the public regarding the administration’s commitment to empowering young leaders.
In response to this shortfall, Advokc Foundation took proactive steps to ensure that the promise was not forgotten. On August 24, 2023, the foundation sent a formal reminder letter, signed by Advokc’s Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Officer, Dare Olatunde, urging the President to fulfill his commitment.
This advocacy effort was backed by public engagement, media campaigns, and stakeholder pressure, keeping the issue at the forefront of national discourse.
The call for increased youth inclusion did not go unheard. In a cabinet reshuffle, President Tinubu appointed two additional young ministers:
These appointments were widely seen as steps toward fulfilling the promise, demonstrating the administration’s recognition of the need for youthful voices in governance.
The fulfillment of President Tinubu’s promise to appoint young Nigerians to his cabinet highlights the power of advocacy and civic engagement in holding leaders accountable. Advokc Foundation’s efforts played a crucial role in ensuring that this commitment became a reality, reinforcing the importance of youth representation in governance.
With this milestone achieved, it sets a precedent for future administrations to prioritize inclusivity and actively empower young leaders in shaping Nigeria’s future.