From Silence to Participation: Making Legislative Information Accessible to Young People in Lagos State

Through my passion for youth development, community engagement, and advocacy, as well as my Speak Up Initiative, I believe that empowering young people goes beyond encouraging them to speak. It also means equipping them with the knowledge and opportunities to make their voices count in governance. However, one question that boggles my mind constantly is this:

“How can young people influence decisions that affect their lives if they do not understand how those decisions are made?”

In Lagos State, young people have ideas, concerns, and solutions that deserve to be heard. However, meaningful participation in governance begins with access to the right information. When young people cannot easily understand proposed laws, legislative decisions, or the roles of their elected representatives, their ability to participate in shaping public policy is limited.

My Proposal

I propose that the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State House of Assembly strengthen youth-friendly access to legislative information through:

1. Simplified legislative information: Publish summaries of proposed bills, enacted laws, and legislative decisions in clear, everyday language that young people can understand.
2. Community-based civic education: Organise civic education sessions in schools, tertiary institutions, and local communities, particularly in underserved areas.
3. Youth-legislator engagement: Establish regular town halls where young people can ask questions, share community challenges, and engage directly with their elected representatives.
4. Digital participation channels: Create accessible platforms where young people can learn about legislative activities, submit policy ideas, and receive feedback from relevant institutions.

Why This Matters

Young people are affected by decisions concerning education, employment, healthcare, security, and the environment. Yet, without accessible legislative information, many may not know how these decisions are made or how to contribute to the process.

I believe that encouraging young people to speak up must go beyond telling them to use their voices. We must also equip them with the information they need to make those voices informed, constructive, and effective.

My vision is a Lagos State where young people are not merely spectators in governance but informed citizens who can engage their representatives, contribute ideas, and hold public institutions accountable.