10th National Assembly Priotises Youths – Deputy Speaker Kalu

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu yesterday said the 10th House has prioritised youth inclusion as a central legislative focus.

He said the House had sponsored and advanced key bills aimed at empowering young Nigerians, including proposals to: facilitate easier access to political office, building on the Not Too Young To Run Act by strengthening party nomination processes and reducing structural barriers.

Kalu said this when he received a delegation from ‘Bridge Leadership Foundation’ on a courtesy in his office in Abuja.

The visiting delegation are graduates of a six month intensive leadership training program for Nigerian youths conducted by the Foundation.

He said the House is also committed to enhancing youth participation in governance through institutionalised mentorship programmes, internship placements, and inclusion in committee hearings; skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives and linking legislative oversight to programmes that increase their economic participation.

“At the same time, the federal government’s policies are aligning to complement these legislative efforts, under programmes such as the National Youth Investment Fund, National Youth Service enhancements, and targeted empowerment schemes.

“Also, the Federal Government has committed to a 30% youth‑inclusion target in governance. These measures signal a deliberate shift toward integrating young Nigerians into governance, decision-making, and national development,” Kalu said.

He reminded Nigerian youths that courage, strategic thinking and competence define enduring leadership, hence the need for them to remain committed to lifelong learning of leadership skills to move the nation forward.

“It is tested in the chamber, the committee room, and in every encounter with the citizenry. Your credibility as a leader will be judged not by ambition alone, but by preparation, wisdom, and the impact you create.

“Leadership, my friends, is not a ceremonial title. It is the art of service, the practice of wisdom, and the courage to act in the face of uncertainty. It is tested in moments of decision, not in moments of applause.

“As a lawyer and a parliamentarian, I have come to understand that the power to legislate carries with it an obligation to be measured, principled, and relentless in pursuit of justice,” Kalu added.

In his remarks, the Programme Manager of the Foundation and former governor of Cross River state, Senator Liyel Imoke said the country needs leaders who have all it takes to make decisions to tackle challenges hence the need to train Nigerian youths in leadership skills in order to take their rightful place.

Imoke disclosed that, the trainees were carefully selected from across 32 States of the Federation adding that, 25 out of the hundreds of applicants were picked and trained.

He said the trained youths have demonstrated their innante abilities to use their talents and shape their decision making and other skills needed in leadership.