----- In May 2016 – May 2018, My organization Youth Entrepreneurship Support Hub (Yes - Hub) under my leadership undergo a project in partnership with a leading non-profit organization in Nigeria that is building young people’s capacity and strengthening democracy, the Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Advancement (Yiaga Africa) Supported by NDI, USAID, and UKaid. The project tagged #NotTooYoungToRun Bill Campaign designed to engage lawmakers in Nigeria in seeking for the amendment of the constitution to reduce the age qualification for running various elective positions in the Nigeria aimed at increasing youth participation in political process.
As a leader, I ensured everyone was carried along with every action or decision taken. Based on my experience, working with people with disabilities is a heinous task. They are hardworking, but sometimes, sentiments and empathy gets in the way. I wanted to include only one individual with disability. The others would be given ambassadorial roles. It was rejected. As a leader who is attentive and listens to people, after much deliberation, three individuals with disabilities were brought on board the ten person state structure.
Youth Entrepreneurship Support Hub (YES - Hub) shows high spirit of lobbying in advocating for right on the constitution amendment campaign for youth inclusion in Nigerian politics, which worked in Katsina state House of Assembly and ushered over 10,000 youth across the state advocating for youth rights to inclusion. I formed a team which comprised of people with disabilities and unemployed youths.
A success was recorded as both chambers of Nigeria’s National Assemblies considered and passed the bill in July-2017 and an overwhelming majority while 33 out of 36 State Assemblies adopted the bill and The President of Nigeria assented to the bill in May 2018. This earned Youth Entrepreneurship Support Hub (YES - Hub) a status, in the list of National Organizations that advocates for rights and freedom.
The youngest lawmaker in Nigeria and Sub – Saharan Africa is from Katsina state, 25 years old Hon. Mustapha Sani Bello and one of the beneficiaries of the Not Too Young To Run Act.