OSAS EMMANUEL
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Femi Gbajabiamila, has declared that to build the nation is a joint task that cannot be completed without efforts of the youth.
Gbajabiamila made this declaration on Saturday at the main bowl of the National Assembly during the graduation and conferment of the fellowship ceremony on him by the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI).
The Speaker, who is also the founder of the LMI, said youths are the fulcrum of the nation and foundation upon which the present and future of every society is built.
He said: “The critical and indispensable role of the youth in sustainable nation building underscores essence of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI).”
“The LMI is a unique programme designed and targeted at equipping and empowering young leaders by providing them with necessary hands on training and engagement in governance.
“This involves participation in political and decision-making processes and public service through collaborative leadership.
“It is also programmed to give support, required to be successful and attain the peak of their careers.”
74 recipients, comprising 37 males and 37 females, drawn from all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), attended the five weeks programme, graduated and conferred with ‘Fellows of the LMI.
The 74 candidates were picked from over 4,000 applications received by the selection panel, having passed through rigorous screening.
He further stated that Nigeria is in need of leaders that will groom the young ones to take over leadership responsibilities, as they leave office or move to other spheres of life, noting that “absence of such transition in leadership remained a setback for the country’s growth and urgency to correct the anomaly that, the country could have a pool of young leaders to draw from, at any given time.”
The Speaker observed that the timing of the training was significant, coming at a period the world faced increasing challenges that would require people of great skills and knowledge to address, especially among the youths.
“Distinguished fellows, you are graduating at a time of great uncertainty in the world. We are in a historical moment of great danger, and abounding opportunities brought on by technological advancements, accelerated globalisation, and the reformation of global economic and political order.
“As I told you when you began this programme, it is clear to anybody that the old equilibrium is unsettled and the rules of the old order no longer apply. What is less clear is what happens next. Yet, you must count yourselves fortunate because, throughout recorded history, it is in times like this that men and women of talent and ability write their names in gold for all generations to witness.”
Gbajabiamila spoke further on the mandate of the LMI, saying, “The LMI mandate is to develop leaders who will shape the future of our country and the world.
“You are ordained for more. Do not sell yourself short by dreaming small dreams. As you raise your gaze from considerations of small things to focus on pursuing and achieving grand ambitions that lift us all and save the future, understand that the capabilities that brought you this far are not enough for where you want to go.
“Your achievements, including today’s graduation, demonstrate your discipline and dedication. Now you must prepare to do more than ever before. Devote yourself to lifelong learning so your mind is never closed to the possibilities in your world.
“Determine in your hearts that you will wake up every day for the rest of your lives determined to change the world for good because, as Steve Jobs said, ‘the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do.”
The Speaker commended the graduands for their zeal to learn as demonstrated by the quality of their contribution to discussions and various knowledge-based tasks, while the training lasted.
He was also full of gratitude to those who made the programme a success, including the management team and the sponsors.
One of the graduates, Mr Bella Victor, from Rivers State, who was elated over the knowledge he gained, admitted that the programme exposed him to things he didn’t know about the legislature and governance before he enrolled for the LMI.
“It truly opened my eyes. I am now ready to join politics if the opportunity comes,” he said.
Goodwill messages came from the Chairman, LMI Selection Panel, Rep Henry Nwawuba; Director-General, National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies, (NILDS), Prof Abubakar Suleiman; Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Tijjani Umar; Country Director, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Marija Peran; and the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Leadership Advancement Foundation (LEAF), Dr Ike Neliaku.
