Former member of the House of Representatives for Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, has emphasized the need for a vibrant, accountable, and action-driven youth legislature, declaring it a panacea for the growth and strength of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC). He made this known while delivering the keynote address at the PYC Parliament Retreat held today at Jos Business School, Rayfield.
Speaking on the theme “The Role of Legislatures: A Panacea for Building the PYC,” Hon. Bagos noted that the legislature must be seen beyond lawmaking — it should reflect the hopes, voices, and dreams of the people, especially young people.
“The PYC is a powerful platform for engaging young people in leadership and governance. With rising calls for youth inclusion in politics, we must have a structured and proactive youth legislative system,” Bagos said.
He outlined key responsibilities of the legislature including lawmaking, representation, oversight, budget approval, and maintaining checks and balances. However, he emphasized that the Youth Legislature must play an even more dynamic role — championing the specific needs of young people and advocating progressive reforms.
While acknowledging the challenges facing youth participation in legislative spaces — such as age limits, high cost of participation, lack of mentorship, and limited training — Bagos stressed the importance of deliberate action.
“We must groom young people in participatory governance, promote civic literacy, organize training, and build skills in public speaking, media engagement, and bill drafting. Capacity is the currency of leadership,” he quoted leadership expert John Maxwell.
Calling for immediate strategic engagement, Bagos urged the youth legislature to develop a youth-focused policy agenda, foster collaborations with civil society and government, and push for sustainable legislative impact.
“Don’t sink the ship because of personal interest; build the ship for collective interest,” Bagos concluded, quoting civil rights icon John Lewis: “If not us, who? If not now, when?”
Earlier in the event, the Speaker of the Plateau Youth Council Parliament, Rt. Hon. Amos Aseno, welcomed participants with a message of purpose and unity.
“This retreat offers a critical moment for reflection, strategic planning, and a renewed commitment to the vision of the PYC,” Aseno said.
He appreciated the support of the Plateau State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, particularly the Honourable Commissioner, Permanent Secretary, and other key officials. He also acknowledged CYPA Africa and other development partners for supporting youth inclusion.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ashoms, in his address, described the retreat as a valuable opportunity for intellectual exchange among young people.
“Youth are central to the growth of Plateau State. You can’t talk about development without the youth — in the beginning, middle, and end,” Ashoms said.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, citing ongoing agricultural interventions, such as tractor mobilization to Bassa, and training programs aimed at creating 2,000 young millionaires through farming and enterprise.
“We’re deliberately targeting youth empowerment. If we don’t channel their energy rightly, it could be misused. That’s why we are engaging them in mechanized farming, vocational skills, and entrepreneurship,” Ashoms noted.
Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Panan Dapar, used the opportunity to express concern about the absence of full representation from some Local Government Areas, calling for seriousness among youth leaders.
“If you’re not serious about business, you’re not ready for leadership. Every youth leader must take responsibility,” Dapar charged.
He praised the transparent and independent election process of the PYC leadership, declaring it the first of its kind without external interference.
“For the first time, the youth council conducted its elections without government manipulation. That’s the model we must uphold—youth taking ownership of their future,” he stated.
Dapar also stressed the need for youth leaders to operate within the bounds of Nigeria’s Constitution, reminding them that they represent all young people, beyond political or ethnic lines.
The PYC Parliament Retreat, attended by Central Working Committee members, resource persons, and government officials, was a convergence of ideas and strategies focused on legislative engagement, youth development, and civic leadership.
