Young people should be upbeat, inclined towards responsibility, and not be afraid to take political stances, she advised.
Rukayat Shittu, the Owode/Onire Constituency’s representative to the Kwara State House of Assembly, has argued that her identities as a woman and a young person are not obstacles in politics.
With the goal of lowering the minimum ages required by law for political posts, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Not Too Young to Run Act into law on May 31, 2018.
Shittu became the youngest female member-elect of the Nigerian House of Assembly as a result of the legislation, which opened the path for her historic ascent.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) member said in an interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday that the stereotypes of being a young lady and a political aspirant did not prevent her from achieving her goals.
She stated, “I don’t view it as a hurdle to me; it is not an impediment, since I believe whatever you want to accomplish in life, you simply have to confront one thing or the other.
“With regard to my age and gender, the culture in Kwara has already redefined the responsibilities of youths and women in government, so I didn’t find it that difficult to sell myself to people because I am a female or a young person,” the speaker said.
The 26-year-old described her passion for community improvement and government as a formidable test to dispel political prejudices.
I have always had a strong enthusiasm for politics and government, and I have been involved in both since my undergraduate days, she remarked.
“I have been able to show people that I am capable, that I am able to carry out tasks, and that I am aware of the nature of legislative work. In the student union government’s legislative branch, I did very brilliantly.
The previous Senate President of the Congress of NOUN Students (CONS) urged youth to be upbeat, responsible, and not shy away from political positions, saying that competition is a key component of attaining democracy.
“I didn’t get out of bed one day to pursue this,” the speaker said. The future must be hopeful for young people. The number of women and young people at the decision-making table has not increased, she claimed.
If given the opportunity to hold a position of this nature, I would like to wisely utilise it to encourage young people and women to pursue careers in politics.
