Lawmaker Alao-Akala Reaffirms N’Assembly’s Commitment to Youth Inclusion
Hon. Olamijuwonlo Ayodeji Alao-Akala, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth in Parliament, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s dedication to fostering youth participation in policymaking and national development.
Speaking during the commissioning of a state-of-the-art facility donated by Mr. Seyi Tinubu to the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Hon. Alao-Akala emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young Nigerians to engage meaningfully in governance.
The facility, located on Mississippi Street, Abuja, is equipped with an e-library, a physical library, and a co-working space designed to support young lawmakers in their legislative activities. It serves as a resource hub for the Young Parliamentarians Forum, a United Nations-recognized body comprising lawmakers under 40 years of age. The forum aims to foster collaboration and engagement with young Nigerians interested in parliamentary processes.
Empowering Young Lawmakers
Hon. Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North, South, and Oriire Federal Constituency of Oyo State, expressed gratitude to Seyi Tinubu for the generous donation. He noted that the facility would enhance youth-focused legislative activities and enable young lawmakers to better represent the interests of Nigerian youth in the National Assembly.
“This facility will serve as a hub for innovative ideas, youth-driven legislative activities, and stakeholder engagement, further solidifying the National Assembly’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth,” he stated.
Endorsements from Key Leaders
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, highlighted the significance of the new space, describing it as a transformative addition to the legislative environment.
“This innovative facility provides an enabling environment where young people can strategize, discuss national progress, and contribute meaningfully to youth-focused legislation,” Abbas remarked.
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House, also lauded the initiative. He expressed optimism about the facility’s potential to enhance youth engagement and representation in governance.
“I wish this existed during my time as Speaker. This platform will undoubtedly strengthen the legislative process for young parliamentarians and foster meaningful dialogue on nation-building,” Gbajabiamila said.
A Platform for Youth-Driven Change
The event was attended by prominent members of the Young Parliamentarians Forum, National Assembly members, and key stakeholders, including the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande. The collaborative efforts highlighted during the event underscored the National Assembly’s commitment to cultivating an inclusive and innovative legislative framework that prioritizes youth inclusion in governance.
This new facility is poised to become a cornerstone for youth-centered legislative development, reinforcing Nigeria’s vision for a future driven by the innovation and dynamism of its young population.
