From Esther Akaa, Lafia
ActionAid Nigeria, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), has expressed optimism that the Nasarawa State House of Assembly will pass the Youth Development Commission bill into law.
The Country Director of ActionAid, Mr Andrew Mamedu stated this on Thursday during an an Advocacy Round -Table Meeting with members of the State House of Assembly in Abuja.
Mamedu said the Youth Development Commission bill which was initiated in the previous Assembly but could not see the light of the day, if passed into law by the present assembly and subsequently signed by Governor Abdullahi would mark a transformative step for the future of youths in the State.
He stated that ActionAid Nigeria was committed to empowering young people and building resilient communities, hence its support for the quick passage of the bill.
The Country Director explained that it has partnered with the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) through the Systems and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism (SARVE) project, and has spanned various phases in Kogi, Nasarawa, Kano, and Kaduna State to address the challenges facing citizens.
He said :”Today, we gather with a shared purpose: to support the ongoing efforts to establish a Youth Development Commission in Nasarawa State, which aims to create meaningful opportunities for our young population and address challenges that could otherwise lead to social instability.
“Our vision for youth development is driven by the urgency to address a notable gap: despite significant investments in sports, there remains a lack of comprehensive youth empowerment programmes.
” This proposed Youth Development Commission Bill seeks to tackle critical issues impacting young people, including youth restiveness, unemployment, and limited access to sustainable livelihoods. The bill aims to empower our youth through job creation, skill-building, and economic development.
“This legislation, when passed, will help to reshape Nasarawa into a center of youth innovation and productivity. It has successfully impacted other states, such as Kogi and Benue, where similar bills have driven positive outcomes for youth and the community at large.”
The Country Director commended the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt Hon Danladi Jatau and other members of the Assembly especially the sponsor of the bill, Hon Mohammed Garba Isimbabi for the support given to the bill.
He, therefore assured of ActionAid’s sustained support in ensuring that the commission is established in the State for the growth and development of the younger generation.
In his presentation, the Resilience and Peace Building expert, Mr Anicetus Atakpu, who delivered a paper entitled: ” Youth Development and the Prevention of Violent Extremism: The Role of the Legislature”, said the Legislature play pivotal roles in shaping the legislative and policy frameworks that determine the opportunities available to youths.
Atakpu further stated that, the lawmakers support community building initiatives that engage youths in positive activities that prevent them from feeling isolated or excluded.
He called on the House of Assembly members to ensure the passage of the bill, noting that it would address issues such as education, healthcare services, employment opportunities, civil engagement and leadership development.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Danladi Jatau represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon Larry Ven-Bawa, commended Hon Isimbabi for initiating the bill at the House of Assembly.
Jatau said expressed satisfaction with the bill and was hopeful that it would be enacted into law subsequently.
The Speaker assured of the lawmakers commitment in ensuring that the Youth commission is established to carter for the development of the youths in the state.
He urged the public to provide valuable ideas that will add to the substance of the bill during its public hearing.
On his part , the sponsor of the Youth Development Commission Bill, Hon Mohammed Isimbabi, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, lauded the Speaker for giving the bill the support it needed to enable it pass 2nd reading.
Isimbabi appreciated Governor Sule for prioritising the welfare of youths in the State and also thanked ActionAid for leading development efforts and collaborating with Stakeholders in the state to facilitate the development of the commission.
He called on greater collaboration between various stakeholders that will craft policies aimed at shaping the future of the younger generation.
Earlier while giving an overview of the Bill, the SARVE III Programme Coordinator for ActionAid , Mr Aliyu Adamu said that it was divided into seven parts comprising of 41 clauses.
He said that the commission when established, will provide several programmes to foster youth employment, track government investments on youths as well as stand a chance of getting funding from international organisations, among others.