On Wednesday, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, applauded the valuable role played by Nigerian youths in defining and achieving development and security in the nation, saying that the youth remain the energy of the nation.
Hon. Kalu noted this in Abuja while addressing the leadership of the Green Assembly Initiative and the Nigeria Youth Organisation.
Addressing the delegation, the Deputy Speaker stated that young people play a major role in shaping the future of our nation, as they are the driving force behind innovation, progress, and social change.
He also stated that without the youth, the potential of the nation would be inactive, but with the energy that comes with it, those potentials will be made kinetic and will drive the needed impact and outcome in the various sectors of our economy and the policy implementation of the nation.
According to him, their fresh perspectives, energy, and idealism are instrumental in building a more secure, prosperous, and unified Nigeria.
Hon. Kalu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to harnessing youth potential.
He stated that Tinubu, as a head hunter who hunts for the best brain among the youth, has consciously engaged the youth with responsibilities for which they have carried on well and have not disappointed the President.
Hon. Kalu stressed that the various capacities and assignments given to the youth by the President, even up to ministerial positions, are doing well, adding that the leader of the nation is intentionally working with the energy that the youth bring.
The Deputy Speaker urged the group to deepen the parliament’s understanding of their work and explore ways to collaborate on issues that are critical to the future of Nigeria, so as to ensure a brighter future for young Nigerians and our nation as a whole
He said: “It is with delight that I welcome you all to the People’s House. It is a pleasure to receive representatives of the Green Assembly Initiative and the Nigeria Youth Organisation.
“The members and leadership of the House of Representatives are deeply appreciative of the kind words you extended regarding our contributions to national security, peace, and unity. These are indeed critical areas that demand focused commitment, and we recognise the valuable role young Nigerians play in achieving these goals.
“The Green Assembly Initiative and the Nigeria Youth Organisation provide a platform for constructive dialogue among young Nigerians. Your commitment to empowering youth through nation-building, entrepreneurship, security awareness, and promoting national unity is truly commendable.
“The House of Representatives recognises the vital role young people play in shaping the future of our nation. You are the driving force behind innovation, progress, and social change. Your fresh perspectives, energy, and idealism are instrumental in building a more secure, prosperous, and unified Nigeria.
“The House Committee on Youth Development is actively engaged in initiatives that empower and support young Nigerians. The House plays a role in youth development through law-making, representation, and oversight.
“Therefore, I implore the National Youth Organisation and the Green Assembly Initiative to establish lines of communication with the House Committee on Youth Development as a pathway for partnership with the House of Representatives and the National Assembly as a whole.
“Having you think and align with the same mandate and national objectives of this administration is a step in the right direction. Once again, I extend a warm welcome to the leadership of the GAI and NYO.”
Earlier, the groups led by its president, Ambassador Duka Alamboye, commended the Deputy Speaker for the efforts he’s making to ensure peace and security in the Southeast.
He added that the organisation wants to work with his office towards youth development and building the Nigeria we are all hoping for.
“On behalf of the Nigerian youth, we thank you. I want to say that as an organised youth body, we’ve outlined our activities for the year, and by June 12, we’ll join Nigeria to celebrate the democratic day. We want to use that day to appreciate and give national youth awards to deserving Nigerians. As we work towards youth development, we want to identify with you so that, together, we’ll build the Nigeria we are all hoping for.
“Very soon we’ll be having the day of the African child; that’s a programme we take to heart. We have noticed that in our country, due to the lack of interest in informal education. We are focused on skills acquisition to empower our youths to have jobs, so we have fewer unemployed youths. We also help victims of domestic violence; we also teach the youth how to leave the world of crime and show more interest in using skills to better their lives.”
