From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
The Senate, yesterday, read for the first time a bill to empower Nigerian youths and create avenues for them to realise their full potential through optimal access to opportunities.
The bill aimed at developing and monitoring the implementation of a national youth’s policy was sponsored by Senator Tony Nwoye representing 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 passed the first reading via a voice vote during plenary presided over by Godswill Akpabio after it was introduced by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. Its passage was further ratified after its short title was read by the Senate Clerk, Chinedu Akubueze.
In a brief chat with the Daily Sun, Nwoye explained that it was imperative that Nigeria recognised the role youths play in society since they constitute an energetic, creative and about the largest sector of the nation’s population, and given the challenges the sector face.
“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 realise 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.”
If finally passed into law, a Governing Board would be established, which shall consist of a chairman, vice chairman, six 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 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.
It would also have a person representing the Federal Ministry in-charge of Youths, who must be within the rank of a director, deputy director or assistant director in the youths ministry.