From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
The Senate on Tuesday granted the first reading to a bill aimed at empowering Nigerian youths and creating avenues for them to realize their full potential through optimal access to opportunities.
The bill aimed at developing and monitoring the implementation of a national youth policy is sponsored by Senator Tony Nwoye ( Anambra North).
Titled “National Youth Development Agency ( Establishment) Bill, 2023 (SB.122)”, the proposed law seeks to provide for the establishment of a National Youth Development Commission to be presided over by a “Governing Board”.
The bill was accorded first reading via a voice vote during the plenary session of the Senate presided over by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio after it was introduced to the Red Chambers by the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele.
Its passage was further ratified after its short title was read by the Senate clerk, Barrister Chinedu Akubueze.
In a brief chat with the Daily Sun, Tony Nwoye explained his motivation behind the sponsorship of the bill, according to the Lawmaker it is imperative that Nigeria recognises the role that youths play in society, and since the youths in Nigeria constitute an energetic, creative and about the largest sector of the Nation’s population, and given the challenges this sector face.
He expressed; “It is necessary to redress the imbalances of the past and to create a national youth policy aimed at empowering the youths and allowing them to realize their full potential through optimal access to opportunities”.
“it is necessary to create a united, non-tribal, non-gender and prosperous society, in which the youths of Nigeria shall promote national reconciliation and unity, build new patriotism and foster peace, justice and human rights culture”, Nwoye concluded.
An explanatory Memorandum sighted by the SUN revealed that if finally passed into law a Governing Board will be established which shall consist of a Chairman, Vice chairman , Six (6) full-time Commissioners from the six geo-political zones who are qualified for such appointment on account of qualification, knowledge or experience relating to the functions of the Commission; and Six (6) part-time members from each geo-political zone who shall be fit, proper and experienced persons, nominated by the Minister in charge of youths and appointed by the President furthermore one person representing the Federal Ministry in-charge of Youths (who must be within the rank of a director, Deputy Director or assistant director in Youths Ministry).