The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, says Nigeria’s energy and creativity reflect Africa’s promising future.
Mr. Kalu stated this when he received a delegation of young leaders from the Torchbearers of Liberty Fellowship on a courtesy visit to his office.
He cited a United Nations report which indicates that by 2030, one in every three new entrants into the global labour force will be African.
According to him, “to harness this potential, deliberate policies and legislation are expanding opportunities through initiatives such as the $600 million iDICE partnership with the African Development Bank, aimed at empowering young innovators in technology and creativity.”
The Deputy Speaker promised that the 10th House of Representatives is legislating with the future in mind, a future where youth potential meets opportunity and laws serve as instruments of empowerment.
He urged “the young leaders to embrace collaboration beyond borders by driving ideas that connect innovation to sustainability, policy to justice, and opportunity to equity.”
Mr. Kalu said: “It is my honour and privilege to welcome you, brilliant young leaders from across the world, to the People’s House — the 10th House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your presence today is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by age but by the courage to envision a better tomorrow and to act boldly in pursuit of it.
“I salute the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation for nurturing that vision and for continuing the legacy of a man whose name stands for democracy, justice, and service to humanity.”
The Deputy Speaker described the visitors as bridge-builders and commended the exchange programme for promoting global citizenship and cross-border collaboration, which he said foster wisdom and growth among nations.
Mr Kalu reiterated that the 10th House is a “Parliament of Partnership and Progress,” committed to key legislations on innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and inclusion.
He further said that as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, his office is leading efforts to make the Nigerian Constitution truly reflect the people’s aspirations through nationwide dialogues and public hearings that involve traditional rulers, youths, women, and persons with disabilities.
The Acting Director-General of the Torchbearers of Liberty Fellowship, Mr. Amara Nwankpa, informed the Deputy Speaker that the fellowship is a Pan-African leadership training programme jointly organised by the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation and Students for Liberty (SFL).
He explained that the visit was aimed at providing participants with an invaluable opportunity to learn from the Deputy Speaker’s public service experience, gain insights into the legislative process, and deepen their appreciation of leadership at the national level.