The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has charged the Nigeria youths to always pursue excellence in their endeavours, while being patient in getting the rewards.
Speaker Abbas, who noted that the 10th House has continued to prioritise issues affecting the youth in the country, said the parliament would open more channels of communication with them for exchange of ideas on now to better their lot.
The Speaker made this known at an interactive session with the 3rd Cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), tagged ‘An Afternoon With the Speaker.’
LMI is a scheme that exposes select youths to the rudiments of parliamentary processes, democratic governance and leadership. It was initiated by the Speaker of the 9th House, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who is now the Chief of Staff to the President.
Speaker Abbas urged the young participants to take full advantage of the initiative by engaging actively with mentors. He stated that mentorship is a two-way street: while mentees learn from experienced legislators, mentors also gain fresh perspectives from younger generations.
The Speaker shared success stories from previous LMI participants who have gone on to make significant contributions in their communities or within government structures, such as the appointment of some past participants aides to the Speaker.
Speaker Abbas used the examples to illustrate the tangible benefits of mentorship and the potential impact it can have on personal and professional development.
The Speaker reiterated the commitment of the House to fostering an environment where young leaders can thrive.
Answering questions bothering on various issues from the trainees, the Speaker recalled how four members of the last LMI cohort had been employed by the National Assembly, while saying more trainings would be taken when opportunities come.
He also said three Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) were engaged in the chambers to interpret proceedings in sign language.
Speaker Abbas also announced an internship programme, where 20 of the LMI alumni would be attached to critical committees of the House for exposure and real-life experience on legislative activities.
The Speaker also announced that a social media platform would be created for all graduands of LMI and the leadership of the House, which would be an opportunity for interaction and exchange of ideas.
He recalled how the House had resolved to be involved in youth’s engagement, “which we have promised to do twice yearly.”
Speaking on his personal ideals, Speaker Abbas stated the first is transparency, adding that it is what is guiding the 10th House, which has consequently led to trust and bond with constituents.
“Be honest. Be truthful,” he said.
While expressing his desire for the LMI to be bigger than it is presently, the Speaker lauded his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for the “noble initiative.” He, therefore, declared an addition of 25 people to the next cohort.
Speaker Abbas noted that the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House “is the best of the best… the richest ever to be produced by the National Assembly,” adding that it tallies with the Renewed Home Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Speaker also noted that the 10th House is according so much prominence to issues concerning women, hence the creation of the Committee on Women in Parliament, in addition to the existing Committee on Women Affairs.
He stated that gender-related bills, including affirmative action, would enjoy better attention in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
Advising the younger generation, Speaker Abbas called for attention to detail and patience.
“We will reflect and see how we can sponsor some LMI alumni to take some courses at NILDS,” the Speaker said, as he awaits a proposal from the organisers on scholarships and welfare.
He also advised the LMI trainees: “Make sure you sustain it. Don’t lose hope. Don’t forget what you have learned. Nobody knows tomorrow. You can be where I am, and you can be somewhere else.”