Nigeria’s democracy needs young, female voices – Hon Shittu

Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu is one of the young lawmakers shaping Nigeria’s Fourth Republic as a dynamic female member of the Kwara State House of Assembly. Elected in March 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent the Owode/Onire Constituency in Asa Local Government Area, the 29‑year‑old lawmaker currently serves as Chairman […]

Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu is one of the young lawmakers shaping Nigeria’s Fourth Republic as a dynamic female member of the Kwara State House of Assembly. Elected in March 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent the Owode/Onire Constituency in Asa Local Government Area, the 29‑year‑old lawmaker currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Information, as well as Deputy Chairman of the House Services Committee and a member of the House Committee on Energy, among other assignments. In this interview, she speaks on her journey so far, challenges and prospects for Nigeria’s political future, among other topics.

Your election has been regarded as one of the defining moments of the current dispensation, how has your experience been as one of the youngest and few female lawmakers in the Kwara State House of Assembly

 Stepping into the Assembly has been both humbling and purposeful. From the first day, I became aware of the immense public trust placed on my shoulders. I am representing not only my constituents but also women and young people whose voices are often underrepresented. This awareness shapes every legislative engagement, reminding me that leadership is a responsibility before it is a privilege. In terms of expectations, I anticipated resistance and the need to constantly prove my competence in a space traditionally dominated by older men. That part has proven true. However, what pleasantly surprised me is the support and collaboration I have encountered. Mentorship, mutual respect, and shared commitment to progress reaffirm my belief in inclusive leadership. Overall, the experience has reinforced why I sought office: to serve, to inspire, and to show that young women can lead with competence, courage, and compassion without waiting for permission or validation.

What institutional and cultural challenges have you faced as a young female legislator? 

Navigating a legislature traditionally dominated by older men naturally comes with both institutional and cultural challenges. Institutionally, young women are often expected to consistently demonstrate competence and preparedness before their contributions are embraced. This reality has required diligence, confidence, and mastery of the issues to maintain professional credibility. Culturally, age and gender stereotypes still exist, shaping initial perceptions of leadership capacity or authority. However, these challenges are often less pronounced in Kwara than in many other states. The deliberate efforts to promote inclusion and broaden participation in governance have been significant. Particularly, the leadership of His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has helped soften these barriers by advocating for youth and women representation. This has fostered greater acceptance, collaboration, and mentorship, enabling young legislators and women to contribute meaningfully while pushing for deeper institutional and cultural progress.

Have young and female lawmakers found a collective voice in the Assembly?

Yes, there is a growing sense of solidarity. We increasingly find common ground on issues affecting inclusion, social development, and good governance. This shared perspective strengthens our contributions and visibility in legislative processes. That said, advocacy still requires individual persistence at times. Institutional norms and long-standing perceptions mean that one sometimes must assert their voice personally to ensure ideas are fully considered. Preparation, consistency, and clarity remain essential tools. Overall, the balance is shifting positively. While individual effort is necessary, the presence of more young people and women has created mutual support, making it easier to be heard collectively and reinforcing the impact of our voices. 

How are your contributions received in the Assembly? 

Increasingly, the weight given to contributions is tied to the substance of the ideas rather than age or seniority. My inputs, both on the floor and within committees, are often treated with the seriousness they deserve. Consistency, thorough preparation, and a clear understanding of issues have helped ensure respect and consideration.

However, experience naturally commands influence. Senior colleagues sometimes have an added advantage due to long-standing relationships or institutional familiarity. In such situations, younger lawmakers reinforce their points through persistence and evidence.

The environment in Kwara remains relatively progressive and the growing balance regardless of the lawmaker presenting makes the work both challenging and rewarding. 

What are your priorities moving forward? 

My foremost priority is to deepen people-centred legislation that directly improves everyday life for constituents and the wider Kwara community. This includes advancing policies in education, youth empowerment, women’s economic participation, sports development, and community-level infrastructure. Initiatives that create opportunities, protect the vulnerable, and ensure inclusive, sustainable development are central. Politically, I am committed to building trust through accessibility, responsiveness, and accountability. Representation goes beyond lawmaking but requires listening, advocating, and ensuring constituents’ voices are reflected in policy decisions. I will continue supporting reforms that encourage greater youth and women participation in leadership and public service. Before the end of my tenure, I hope to be remembered for impact rather than position, contributing meaningful laws, strengthening institutions, and delivering tangible improvements. Most importantly, I want my journey to inspire confidence in young people and women that they can lead, influence policy, and shape the future through service, integrity, and purposeful leadership. 

How do you view Nigeria’s democracy under the Fourth Republic? 

Nigeria’s democracy is resilient, evolving, and still facing critical tests. The democratic framework has endured through regular elections, functioning legislatures, and growing civic awareness. However, inclusion remains a major challenge. Young people and women remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces, and structural barriers continue to limit access and influence. Despite this, there have been gains, especially at subnational levels, signaling a gradual shift toward broader representation and more diverse voices. From my perspective, democracy is imperfect but hopeful. When institutions are strengthened, leadership is intentional, and citizens are engaged, governance becomes more responsive. The task ahead is to deepen participation, entrench accountability, and ensure democracy delivers tangible benefits to the people. 

How effective has the legislature been in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities?

The legislature has made meaningful strides but has not fully met Nigerians’ expectations. Lawmaking interventions have strengthened governance frameworks, addressed social and economic challenges, and responded to emerging needs. Motions, bills, and resolutions continue to highlight critical issues.

However, oversight remains a weakness. Committees exist, but enforcement is often inconsistent and follow-up slow, undermining accountability. Representation has been mixed; elected officials sometimes favour political elites over ordinary citizens. Yet, many legislators actively engage with constituencies, supporting local development and addressing community concerns. Meaningful representation is possible, but it requires commitment.  

How do you assess youth and female representation nationally? 

Youth and female representation has grown, but it is still below what is needed. More young people and women are running for office, participating in party structures, and advocating for inclusion than in past years. Mentorship programmes, advocacy campaigns, and public awareness have increased, opening doors for the next generation.

However, numbers remain low compared to the population. Barriers like campaign financing, party nomination processes favouring older politicians, and cultural biases persist. Progress is being made, but meaningful power and decision-making influence for youth and women are still emerging. 

What prospects do you see for youth and women over the next decade? 

I see strong prospects for greater inclusion in elective and appointive offices, especially if enabling policies and laws are strengthened. Political leaders, parties, and citizens increasingly recognize that leadership should reflect population diversity. A concrete example is Kwara State’s affirmative action law, mandating at least 35% of appointive positions be held by women. This ensures sustained gender representation beyond individual tenures. Additionally, the reserved seats initiative, if passed, could accelerate women’s representation in the National Assembly and strengthen institutional support for young leaders. 

What lessons have you learned from political engagements and training since taking office? 

Participating in conferences, trainings, and political engagements has provided hope and a clear understanding of challenges. These interactions show that youth and women inclusion is increasingly recognised as vital. Platforms for capacity-building, mentorship, and advocacy encourage meaningful contribution to decision-making.

At the same time, structural barriers remain: limited campaign financing, nomination hurdles, and cultural perceptions about leadership continue to restrict participation. Even where policies exist, translating them into opportunities takes time, effort, and advocacy. The system is gradually opening, but meaningful change requires supportive policies, mentorship, and institutional reforms. 

What is your advice to young Nigerian women aspiring to enter politics?

Do not let financial constraints, intimidation, or cultural barriers stop you. Build your skills, seek mentorship, engage in your community, and make your voice heard-every step counts. Believe in your vision and your ability to lead. Your courage today paves the way for the next generation of women leaders in Nigeria. 

How do you see your role as part of the new generation in politics?

As part of the “face” of the new generation, I see my role as inspiring, enabling, and demonstrating that youth and women can contribute meaningfully. Our presence strengthens inclusivity, promotes merit-based engagement, and encourages younger generations to participate confidently in governance. The journey is ongoing, but the trajectory is positive, and meaningful progress is possible with sustained effort.