Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, has praised the existing synergy between the executive and the legislature.
He was speaking at the launch of a book, on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila and the unveiling of “The Legislative Mentoring Initiative”, as parts of activities making the Speaker’s sixtieth Birthday, in Abuja.
President Buhari said that over the years, he has not had any opportunity to interfere with affairs of the House of Representative due to the quality of leadership available there.
Represented by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, he commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for the good job he was doing at the House.
“I am proud that I didn’t need to interfere in how the parliament works with capable hands at both chambers. The role of the legislature is not to be antagonistic but to make laws that will make Nigeria a much better country”. President Buhari said.
The Speaker Of The House Of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila while responding to all the accolades, said that it was important to document activities for the future generation.
“My life is a testament to the transformative effect of the right kind of mentorship. I have benefitted from the wisdom and guidance of mentors who took an interest in me, supported my aspirations and provided me with the resources to thrive as a lawyer in the private sector and in public service. I intend, through the Legislative Mentoring Initiative (LMI), to try to do the same for others”. Gbajabiamila said.
He noted that the Legislative Mentoring Initiative (LMI) is a youth leadership development programme to identify, equip and empower a new generation of young people to lead in government and public service, particularly in the legislature.
” The Initiative will focus on training young people for the legislature because I believe that the legislature is the soul of the nation. Through law making and appropriations, the legislature defines the present and shapes the future of a nation. Legislative priorities speak to the character of a country and reflect the values and culture of the society. Therefore, developing a deep bench of young people from across the country who understand the legislative function and can perform optimally in different capacities within the federal and state legislatures is imperative”. He noted.
Saying that through a rigorous and impactful mentorship programme, the Initiative will provide young people with practical tools to awaken their desire to serve the nation and strengthen their capacity to do so effectively.
” The course will include a hands-on internship programme, a Distinguished Speaker Series, and post-fellowship job placements.The programme is broadly aimed at two age groups – the Associates (16-20) and the Fellows (ages 21-35). However, at this initial stage, the Legislative Mentoring Initiative (LMI) will begin with the Fellowship programme for persons between the ages of 21 to 35). There will be a total of seventy-two (72) fellows, one male and one female, selected from the thirty-six (36) states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We will make a specific effort to ensure that persons with disabilities are included in this cohort and every subsequent programme”. He added.
There were lots of goodwill messages at the event which attracted distinguished Nigerians from all sectors of the economy.
The seventeen chapter book was reviewed by Prof. Clement Dakas and forward by former Secretary General of the United Nations Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
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