The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Abbas Tajudeen, says the 10th House takes issues affecting young Nigerians seriously, a commitment reflected in the parliament’s legislative activities.
Speaker Abbas also expressed his desire to leave behind a House that is more open, more confident and more people-centred.
He made the remarks during an interactive session with the Fourth Cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) in Abuja, at an event tagged “A Session with the Speaker”.
“The 10th House takes young people seriously. This is evident in our legislative work, from the reform of the Students Loan Act, which now provides young Nigerians with a clearer path to higher education, to proposals that strengthen technical skills, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship.
“We are building a legislative environment that recognises your energy, your frustrations, your ambitions and your right to a future not defined by obstacles.
“Still, no law can substitute for personal discipline. No policy can replace courage. Institutions depend not only on the rules written in law but also on the character of those who run them. That is where you come in,” Mr Abbas said.
He noted that the fellowship equips participants with knowledge, networks and a practical understanding of governance.
“But the real test comes afterwards, when you encounter the temptations, the shortcuts, the pressures and the loneliness that serious leadership often demands.
“You will need the ability to disagree respectfully, the strength to defend a principle when it is easier to abandon it, and the humility to keep learning even when people call you an expert. These virtues are not fashionable, yet they are the ones that hold democracies together. Nigeria needs young people who can think rigorously, speak honestly and act responsibly.”
Speaker Abbas reiterated that the parliament is not only a place of laws and debate but also a place where futures are shaped.
“The House of Representatives is at its best when it gathers people who believe that public service still matters and integrity is not outdated,” he said.
He recalled that his predecessor, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, who initiated the LMI, understood that no parliament can renew itself without deliberately nurturing the next generation.
“His vision was simple: bring young Nigerians into the engine room of lawmaking; let them see power up close; let them understand how democracy actually works.”
He stressed that the vision remains relevant and he is committed to sustaining it.
“Institutions grow stronger when each generation passes on something better than it received. I intend to hand over a parliament that is more open, more confident and more people-centred,” the Speaker added.
He also reflected on his background as a classroom teacher.
“Teaching never leaves a person. It teaches patience, curiosity and the habit of continuous learning. It teaches you to see potential before limitations. These habits have followed me into parliament. They shape how I listen, how I lead and how I engage with young Nigerians who remind us sometimes loudly that the country must do better.”
The Speaker emphasised that Nigeria’s future will not be shaped only by those with titles but by people who understand how institutions function and have the courage to support them when they come under pressure.
He said this is the deeper purpose of the LMI: to raise young people who can strengthen democracy from within.
“My commitment to you is simple. As Speaker, my door remains open. The House of Representatives will continue to support this programme and integrate your ideas where they serve the public interest. You are not visitors here; you are part of a growing family of young Nigerians who believe that public service is still noble,” he stated.
During the session, the LMI fellows asked questions on leadership, governance, legislative actions addressing national challenges and interventions aimed at harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s young population, which the Speaker responded to.