The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has charged Nigerian youths to always pursue excellence in their endeavours, pay attention to details, and be patient while expecting rewards from their efforts.
He pledged the 10th House’s continuous commitment to addressing the issues affecting the country’s youth, adding that the legislature would open more channels of communication with them for the exchange of ideas now to better their lot.
The Speaker stated these at an interactive session with the 3rd Cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), tagged ‘An Afternoon With the Speaker’ in Abuja on Wednesday.
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 President’s Chief of Staff.
Abbas urged the participants to take full advantage of the initiative by engaging actively with mentors, noting that mentorship was a two-way street in which mentees learn from experienced legislators, and mentors also gain fresh perspectives from younger generations.
Responding to a question from the trainees, the Speaker recalled how four members of the last LMI cohort had been employed by the National Assembly while saying more training would be taken when opportunities arise.
He also said three Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) were engaged in the chambers to interpret proceedings in sign language.
Abbas also announced an internship programme in which 20 LMI alumni would be attached to critical committees of the House for exposure and real-life experience in legislative activities.
The Speaker also announced that a social media platform would be created for all LMI graduates and the House leadership, which would allow for interaction and the exchange of ideas.
He recalled how the House had resolved to be involved in youth engagement, “which we have promised to do twice yearly.”
On his personal ideals, Abbas said the first is transparency, adding that it is what guides the 10th House, which has consequently led to trust and bonds with constituents.
While expressing his desire for the LMI to be bigger than it is presently, the Speaker lauded his predecessor, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for the “noble initiative”, declared an addition of 25 people to the next cohort.
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 accords 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.
“We will reflect and see how we can sponsor some LMI alumni to take some courses at NILDS,” the Speaker said, awaiting a proposal from the organisers on scholarships and welfare.
“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,” he added.