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Thirty-nine Young Nigerians Begin Legislative Internship Through EU-Sponsored Programme
Thirty-nine Young Nigerians Begin Legislative Internship Through EU-Sponsored Programme
By: Michael Mike
The European Union, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme Phase II, has welcomed 39 young Nigerians into the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) Legislative Internship Programme.
This initiative offers a rare opportunity for young graduates to gain hands-on experience with legislative practices and processes at Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Spanning 10 weeks, the programme is designed to provide interns with practical exposure to legislative work, fostering engagement and networking opportunities with members and staff of the 10th National Assembly.
The programme beyond career development, also aims to create networking opportunities and promote skills essential for legislative engagement.
At the opening ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), highlighted the significance of the internship and its role in empowering young Nigerians to be active participants in democratic governance.
He said: “The EU is committed to supporting democratic governance and the empowerment of young Nigerians through this internship programme.”
De Luca added that: “We believe that investing in youth capacity and legislative knowledge is fundamental to building a more inclusive, transparent, and effective democracy. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire a new generation of leaders who will actively contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.”
The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, while welcoming the new interns, explaining that the programme reflects PLAC’s dedication, with the support of the European Union, to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic governance.
He said: “The Legislative Internship Programme is more than just an opportunity to learn the inner workings of the National Assembly; it is a platform for young Nigerians to engage meaningfully in our democracy,” noting that: “By gaining firsthand experience in legislative processes, these interns are not only enhancing their skills but also helping to lay the foundation for stronger, more accountable governance in Nigeria. We are proud to partner with the European Union to provide this transformative experience.”
Nwankwo also outlined the opportunities the internship offers, such as learning research methods for legislative committee assignments, participating in oversight, gaining knowledge of the legislative framework, and familiarising interns with key legislative documents like Bills, the Order Paper and Hansard. By the end of the programme, interns are expected to have a deeper understanding of how a bill is passed into law and the intricacies of the lawmaking process.
The EU-funded Legislative Internship Programme is a significant step in promoting the participation and involvement of young professionals in governance, aiming to build a generation of leaders with the skills and dedication needed to contribute effectively to Nigeria’s democratic development.
The Legislative Internship Programme, organised by PLAC and funded by the EU, is a full-time initiative aimed at young Nigerians seeking insights into the legislative process. Participants are selected from across the states, with the EU fully funding the programme since 2018. Previously backed by the UK government, the EU took over funding to further its efforts in democratic empowerment and support for youth in governance.
Despite being 100% funded by the EU, PLAC has worked closely to maintain the programme’s visibility while navigating the balance between EU support and PLAC’s programme ownership.
Thirty-nine Young Nigerians Begin Legislative Internship Through EU-Sponsored Programme
Troops recover rustled livestock after terrorist sighting in katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have recovered rustled livestock during a response operation to a reported terrorist movement in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on March 30, when troops deployed at Combat Team 1 Danali acted on intelligence indicating the movement of suspected terrorists towards Amawa Forest.
According to the sources, the troops arrived the area but found that the suspects had fled into nearby bushes with a large number of rustled livestock.
The combined troops reportedly pursued the attackers for about three kilometres along their escape route but lost contact due to difficult terrain.
The sources added that the troops later withdrew and intensified domination of the main routes with fighting patrols aimed at restoring confidence among commuters in the area.
They said efforts were ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining livestock.
Troops recover rustled livestock after terrorist sighting in katsina
Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator
By: Michael Mike
Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA) has condemned the tragic death of Barrister Abdulsalami Ginsau, who reportedly suffocated after being trapped in an elevator at a hotel in Abuja on March 31, 2026. The advocacy group is calling for urgent investigations, stronger safety regulations, and accountability for any negligence that may have contributed to the incident.
In a statement released on Friday, SOJA described the death as preventable and raised serious concerns about building safety standards, emergency response systems, and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s hospitality and construction sectors. The organization said the incident highlights systemic gaps that put lives at risk.
“Elevators are not luxuries—they are life-dependent systems,” SOJA said. “Any failure in their design, maintenance, or emergency protocols can have fatal consequences. No individual should lose their life in such a preventable and distressing manner.”
The group cited both domestic and international legal frameworks protecting the right to life, including Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. SOJA stressed that the Nigerian government has a duty to prevent third-party negligence and to enforce safety standards that safeguard citizens.
SOJA outlined several recommendations, including conducting a thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances of Ginsau’s death, identifying any negligence or regulatory breaches, and holding all responsible parties accountable. The organization also called for the development and enforcement of national regulations on elevator safety, mandatory inspection and certification programs, installation of functional emergency systems in elevators, and criminalization of gross negligence in life-dependent infrastructure.
Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, Executive Director of SOJA, emphasized that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for systemic reform. “A society that fails to safeguard basic infrastructure places every citizen at risk. Justice must not only be demanded—it must be delivered,” he said.
The tragic death of Ginsau has reignited public debate on the enforcement of building codes and the adequacy of safety measures in public and private facilities across Nigeria.
Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator
Troops conduct offensive patrol in Enugu, disrupt suspected IPOB/ESN activity
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint troops have conducted an offensive patrol in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State aimed at disrupting suspected activities of members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:30 a.m. on March 31 by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion (Rear).
According to the sources, the patrol was conducted around Ajali Forest following intelligence reports of suspected militant movement in the area.
The sources said the suspected armed elements fled upon sighting the advancing troops, avoiding direct engagement.
They added that troops have continued to dominate the general area through sustained patrols to deny the suspected group freedom of action.
Troops conduct offensive patrol in Enugu, disrupt suspected IPOB/ESN activity
Troops recover rustled livestock after terrorist sighting in katsina
Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator
Troops arrest two suspected IPOB/ESN members in anambra
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