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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
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently support the Ministry of Livestock Development in getting its office ready.
The association decried that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry, the renovation of the permanent office allocated to it for its operations is yet to be started, noting that this delay has impeded the
implementation of essential policies and programmes aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria.
KACRAN, in a statement on Saturday, signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello said: “When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of
neglect in the livestock sector.
“However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening, preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to
the national economy.
“Currently, the Ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.
“Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided. This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute
their responsibilities.
“Moreover, the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are
insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.
“KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the Ministry will remain unattainable. As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honourable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector.
Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock
sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of
dollars annually.
“Finally, KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programmes. We hope that under his
guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists and the wider population.”
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers attacked Government Secondary School Yashe in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one night watchman and injuring another before escaping with a solar inverter.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 5:00 a.m. when the hoodlums stormed the school and assaulted the security guards with machetes.
One of the watchmen, Abdullahi Sanusi, 50, died on the spot, while his colleague, Aliyu Ahmed, 65, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kankia General Hospital for treatment.
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Kaduna have rescued a former Executive Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Seimon Matthias, from a kidnap attempt at his Kagoro residence.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on February 14 at about 11:00 p.m. when an unspecified number of kidnappers stormed Matthias’ residence, shooting sporadically in an attempt to abduct him.
However, the sound of gunfire attracted the attention of police officers and other security operatives stationed nearby, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
The assailants, overwhelmed by superior firepower, abandoned their victim and fled to the mountains.
Police said the victim was rescued unhurt, and a joint operation involving the Army and Kaduna Vigilante Service (KadVS) was ongoing to flush out the criminals from the surrounding bush areas.
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
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