NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN IN NIGERIA:SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES & CEPHAS DYAKO'S: ROLE IN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

This book critically examines the “Not Too Young To Run” movement in Nigeria, interrogating its practical impact through the lens of Cephas Tavershima Dyako’s achievements in youth empowerment and political advocacy. While the movement succeeded in reducing constitutional age barriers for political office and signaled a symbolic shift toward youth inclusion, this study contends that true transformation remains constrained by entrenched institutional, financial, and socio-cultural obstacles. Dyako’s rise from rural Benue State to youthful political leadership exemplifies both the promise and challenges of the movement’s legacy: his grassroots mobilization, advocacy for inclusive development, and focus on education and empowerment reveal the vital role of young leaders in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. However, his journey also shows persistent systemic barriers such as party gatekeeping, inadequate civic education, and elite dominance, which continue to hinder broad-based youth participation.