By Muhammad Sani Muazu
In a landmark effort to bridge the gap between elected representatives and the youth, the Young Leaders Network (YLN) convened a State Legislative Pally in Bauchi, drawing over 70 young leaders, student union representatives, and civil society actors to engage directly with lawmakers on issues affecting youth and grassroots communities.
The event, held under the theme “Enhancing Participatory Democracy at the State and Local Government Levels,” is part of YLN’s long-running initiative to promote civic engagement through its Citizens-Legislators Forum project, active across nine local government areas in Bauchi State.
Representing the leadership of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, a goodwill message was delivered on behalf of the Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker and Chairmen of key House Committees—Youth and Sports Development, Appropriation, and Security. The message applauded the Young Leaders Network for its commitment to deepening democratic engagement.
“This gathering is not only a noble initiative but a reflection of the growing awareness among our young citizens on the importance of inclusive governance, legislative openness, and civic responsibility,” the message stated. “We remain open and committed to working closely with forward-thinking organizations like the Young Leaders Network to deepen democratic values and improve the lives of our people.”
Rt. Hon. Mohammed Idris Musa, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, attended the event and praised the intellectual rigor and energy of the young participants.
“Our youth must not isolate themselves. They should engage in meaningful gatherings like this, where they can sharpen their ideas and contribute to societal growth,” he said. “Lawmakers must also widen their listening ears and stoop to the level of the people they represent.”
He described claims that citizens are not engaged in governance as “mostly sentiment,” noting that the current administration has demonstrated inclusivity by appointing youth and women into strategic positions.
Moses Danjuma Kusko, Project Manager on Youth and Governance at the Young Leaders Network, explained that the Pally is a progression from local-level town halls to state-level engagement.
“We believe it’s time young people directly influence policy discussions at the state level. That’s why we invited key legislative leaders — the Speaker, the House Committee Chairs on Youth, Appropriation, and Security — to listen to young people’s priorities,” he said.
He disclosed that the resolutions from the event would be compiled into a communique focusing on four key policy areas:
Youth Participation and Employment
Education and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)
Youth Empowerment and Governance
Civic Engagement and Community Development
The forum also highlighted the Bauchi State Community Charter of Demand model, a unique framework pioneered in the state to ensure citizens drive development planning at the grassroots level.
Participants expressed their readiness to take the lessons back to their communities. Mariam Musa, a youth and women advocate, described the program as a turning point.
“Many citizens don’t know that development begins with them. I’ve learned that we must stop waiting for the government and start engaging our communities. I will return home as an ambassador of this program to spread awareness and drive change,” she said.
With youth-led and women-led civil society groups, student leaders, and community actors all present, the Legislative Pally provided a platform for frank, solution-driven dialogue. Organizers say the initiative aims to institutionalize citizen-driven legislation in Bauchi State.
As the event concluded, stakeholders expressed hope that the voices raised during the forum would influence motions, bills, and policies that reflect the true needs and aspirations of young people across the state.