Child Speaker Presides Over Plenary at House of Representatives for Children’s Day
In a unique gesture to mark this year’s International Children’s Day, the House of Representatives suspended its regular legislative proceedings on Monday to allow a student from Abuja to serve as Shadow Speaker, presiding over a special plenary session.
The initiative, designed to empower and inspire young Nigerians, saw the symbolic transfer of the House’s leadership seat to a student chosen through a merit-based selection process involving schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The selected student, a girl from Abuja, addressed fellow lawmakers while seated at the Speaker’s chair—an unprecedented opportunity for a young voice to be heard on the floor of the National Assembly.
During the special session, the Shadow Speaker passionately spoke about issues affecting Nigerian children, with a strong emphasis on:
• The urgent need for accessible and quality education for all children, particularly in underserved areas
• Strengthening child protection laws to combat abuse, child labor, and gender-based violence
• Improving healthcare services tailored for children
• Encouraging government accountability in implementing youth-focused policies
Lawmakers across party lines listened attentively and later responded with remarks acknowledging the importance of giving children a platform in national discourse.
Some also committed to sponsoring motions and bills in line with the priorities raised by the Shadow Speaker.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, praised the initiative as a meaningful way to commemorate Children’s Day, stating, “This House recognizes that children are not only the future, but also the present. By allowing one of them to lead today’s session, we affirm our commitment to listening and responding to their needs.”
The event, which was widely praised by civil society organizations and education stakeholders, also highlighted the potential of integrating civic education and leadership development into school curriculums.
The symbolic leadership moment was met with enthusiasm across social media platforms, with many Nigerians applauding the House for demonstrating openness and inclusivity.
A video clip of the student presiding over the session has since gone viral, drawing commendation from advocacy groups such as UNICEF Nigeria and the National Council for Child Rights.
In celebrating Children’s Day with such a participatory approach, the House of Representatives has not only honored Nigerian children but also sparked conversations about youth engagement in governance and policy development.
This initiative is expected to inspire similar youth-inclusion programs across Nigeria’s political and civic institutions.
Legislators are also considering making the Shadow Speaker session an annual tradition during Children’s Day celebrations to continue promoting civic awareness and leadership among Nigerian youths.
