Lagos Children’s Parliament Holds Session At State Assembly

By Sherif Salau

Young voices filled the Lateef Jakande Auditorium of the Lagos State House of Assembly as the Lagos State Children’s Parliament convened for a formal session. The young parliamentarians gathered to deliberate on issues that touch the daily lives and future of children across the state, giving the proceedings a sense of purpose rarely seen in adult political gatherings.

Central to the discussions were proposed measures aimed at tackling drug abuse and insecurity. The children examined the threats these challenges pose to their safety, education and wellbeing, and offered perspectives shaped by their own experiences and observations. Their contributions reflected both concern and a clear determination to be part of the solutions.

For the participants, the session carried value beyond the debates themselves. Standing in the same chamber where state laws are made, the young parliamentarians practised the skills of public speaking, structured argument and respectful disagreement. They learned to listen carefully to opposing views, refine their own positions and present ideas with clarity and confidence.

The experience also strengthened their sense of agency. Many left with a deeper understanding that their opinions matter and that institutions exist, at least in principle, to hear them. This recognition can foster a lasting belief in civic participation and encourage them to remain engaged in the affairs of their communities as they grow.

Equally important was the quiet growth in empathy and responsibility. Discussing the harm caused by drug abuse and the fear generated by insecurity required the children to consider the wider consequences of social problems, not only for themselves but for peers who may be more vulnerable. Such conversations plant the seeds of informed citizenship and a commitment to the common good.

By creating a formal space for children to speak and be heard, the session affirmed that the future of Lagos depends on preparing its youngest citizens to think critically, speak courageously and act responsibly. The lessons absorbed in the Lateef Jakande Auditorium are likely to stay with the participants long after the session ended, shaping how they see themselves and their place in society.