Gbajabiamila tasks political parties to prioritise youth mentorship
By EricJames Ochigbo
Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, has advocated for political parties to invest substantially in the training of young individuals, shaping them for pivotal roles in Nigeria’s future leadership.
Gbajabiamila said this at the opening of the 2nd Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Fellowship Programme for 45 youths on Monday in Abuja.
He emphasised the transformative potential of programmes like LMI in harnessing the power of young minds to safeguard the nation’s democratic future.
“The LMI is designed to empower young people with the skills, capacity, and competence to participate effectively in Nigeria’s politics and governance,” he asserted.
Gbajabiamila stressed the importance of providing avenues, like the LMI, to cultivate genuine public servants capable of meeting high expectations.
He called upon political parties to go beyond mere vehicles for acquiring power and become incubators of political talent through think tanks, research institutes, and specialised training programs.
“This will significantly deepen our democracy and even serve to strengthen the political parties themselves and ensure their place in our democratic practice,” he affirmed.
Gbajabiamila underscored the broader impact of the LMI, envisioning it as a catalyst for a new generation of leaders committed to making lasting impacts on the lives of the Nigerian people.
In his response, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), expressed confidence in the program’s continued success and growth.
He outlined NILDS’ commitment, providing the LMI with expertise, resources, and institutional support to enhance its impact on Nigeria’s democratic future.
Sulaiman foresaw the LMI evolving into an annual mentorship programme, attracting a more diverse participant pool and creating a continuous pipeline of well-prepared individuals ready for leadership roles.
As a testament to their commitment, NILDS pledged employment slots for the best participants, urging them to consider the fellowship as a rare opportunity for personal and professional growth. (NAN)
Edited by Ali Baba Inuwa
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