In his Democracy Day address to the nation, Buhari promised to sign the bill without further delay.
He appealed to the youths not to contest against him for the presidency until after his re-election in 2019. Buhari is 75 years old.
The new law lowers the constitutional age limits for aspirants to presidential and legislative positions in the country, as clamoured for by majority of younger Nigerians.
It reduces the age qualification for the office of the President from 40 years to 35 years; House of Representatives from 30 to 25; and State House of Assembly from 30 to 25.
The ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, in the presence of the NTYTR group of under-35 young Nigerians drawn from across the country and led by Mr. Samson Itodo.
Among the NTYTR group delegation were the President’s daughter, Halima; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s daughter, Kanyisola; as well as Aisha, the daughter of Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.
Also present were the sponsors of the bill in the Senate, Senator Abdulaziz Nyako,and in the House of Representatives, Hon. Tony Nwulu; both of who pledged legislative support to the group, as well as the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, and some Presidency officials.
In his remarks after signing the bill, Buhari praised the youths for their efforts towards getting the bill signed, but appealed to them to shelve any quest for the Presidency after he might have secured a re-election in 2019.
His words: “I am confident each one of you will transform Nigeria in your own way – whether through media, agricultural enterprise, economists, engineers, or as lawmakers in your States or at Federal levels, or as State Governors – and even someday, as President. Why not?
“But please, can I ask you to postpone your campaigns till after the 2019 elections!”
He canvassed for additional amendments to reduce the age limits for aspiring governors and senators from 35 years, which was proposed but not reflected in the final bill he signed into law, noting that “this is an issue that may need to be addressed going forward.”
The President observed that the signing of the bill was not the end of the journey but the beginning of more work to be done to get younger persons into government, even as he charged younger Nigerians not to relent in pursuit of excellence in their various endeavours.
“You, the young people of Nigeria, are now set to leave your mark on the political space, just as you have done over the decades in entrepreneurship, sports, arts, media, entertainment, technology, and several other fields.
“You are undoubtedly Nigeria’s most important resource – not oil, not agriculture, not solid minerals – but you and all of us. Your energy, intelligence and talent are what will drive and develop Nigeria, long after we are all gone.
“It may be tempting for you to think of this as the end of the journey. However, it is only the beginning; there is still a lot of work ahead, towards ensuring that young people take full advantage of the opportunities provided not only by this constitutional amendment but also through Nigeria’s boundless prospects.
“You should inculcate the spirit of self-help. Those who complete their training should not just sit down and wait for government or private sector to employ them. You should be innovative and turn your hands to any legitimate work that will enable you to sustain yourself,” he said.
On behalf of the NTYTR group, Itodo urged the President to insist on internal democracy, particularly his ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and to facilitate a provision that will reserve some slots specifically for young persons in faithful and progressive implementation of the new law.
He regretted that Kano, Lagos and Zamfara States missed the opportunity to be part of history as their Houses of Assembly declined to pass the bill.
Itodo praised the President and the Vice President for encouraging the bill, noting that Buhari would be remembered for being the Nigerian leader to sign into law the NTYTR bill.
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